U.S. patent number 10,663,938 [Application Number 16/126,949] was granted by the patent office on 2020-05-26 for power operation of intelligent devices.
This patent grant is currently assigned to KOHLER CO.. The grantee listed for this patent is Kohler Co.. Invention is credited to Miguel Arciniega, Marwan Estiban, Eric Plate, Rafael Rexach, Jessica Schroeder, Ashley Springer, Shi Chao Zhang.
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United States Patent |
10,663,938 |
Rexach , et al. |
May 26, 2020 |
Power operation of intelligent devices
Abstract
A voice controlled device comprises a plurality of microphones,
a communication interface, and a controller. The plurality of
microphones are configured to receive voice inputs from one or more
users for operation of the voice controlled device. The
communication interface is configured to receive sensor data from
an external device, the sensor data describing an environment of
the voice controlled device. The controller is configured to
operate a first subset of the plurality of microphones in response
to first sensor data and a second subset of the plurality of
microphones in response to second sensor data.
Inventors: |
Rexach; Rafael (Sheboygan,
WI), Schroeder; Jessica (Sheboygan, WI), Arciniega;
Miguel (Sheboygan, WI), Springer; Ashley (Sheboygan,
WI), Zhang; Shi Chao (Sheboygan, WI), Plate; Eric
(Plymouth, WI), Estiban; Marwan (Mequon, WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kohler Co. |
Kohler |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KOHLER CO. (Kohler,
WI)
|
Family
ID: |
65720915 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/126,949 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190090056 A1 |
Mar 21, 2019 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
62559199 |
Sep 15, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N
33/1826 (20130101); G06F 1/3231 (20130101); G05B
19/042 (20130101); A47K 17/00 (20130101); H04R
3/005 (20130101); C02F 1/685 (20130101); H04R
5/04 (20130101); H04R 3/04 (20130101); G01N
35/00871 (20130101); G06F 3/017 (20130101); G06F
3/167 (20130101); H04R 5/027 (20130101); C02F
1/001 (20130101); C02F 1/50 (20130101); G06F
1/3287 (20130101); C02F 2209/008 (20130101); G10L
21/0208 (20130101); G01N 2035/009 (20130101); G05B
2219/23027 (20130101); C02F 2209/006 (20130101); C02F
2307/06 (20130101); H04R 2227/005 (20130101); G05B
2219/23462 (20130101); G01N 2035/00881 (20130101); H04R
1/406 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G05B
19/042 (20060101); H04R 5/027 (20060101); G06F
3/01 (20060101); H04R 3/04 (20060101); C02F
1/00 (20060101); C02F 1/50 (20060101); C02F
1/68 (20060101); G01N 33/18 (20060101); G01N
35/00 (20060101); H04R 3/00 (20060101); G06F
3/16 (20060101); H04R 5/04 (20060101); A47K
17/00 (20060101); G06F 1/3287 (20190101); G06F
1/3231 (20190101); G10L 21/0208 (20130101); H04R
1/40 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;381/110,122,124,315 |
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Other References
European Search Report re Application No. EP18194377.0 dated Feb.
13, 2019; 7 pgs. cited by applicant .
European Search Report re Application No. EP18194378.8 dated Feb.
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European Search Report re Application No. EP18194376.2 dated Feb.
13, 2019; 7 pgs. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Jerez Lora; William A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Foley & Lardner LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/559,199 filed Sep. 15, 2017, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A voice controlled device comprising: a plurality of microphones
configured to receive voice inputs from one or more users for
operation of the voice controlled device; a communication interface
configured to receive sensor data from an external device, the
sensor data describing an environment of the voice controlled
device; and a controller configured to operate a first subset of
the plurality of microphones independent of the voice inputs and in
response to first sensor data and a second subset of the plurality
of microphones independent of the voice inputs and in response to
second sensor data.
2. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the controller
is configured to select a low power mode for the voice controlled
device in response to the first sensor data and the controller is
configured to select a full power mode for the voice controlled
device in response to the second sensor data.
3. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the controller
is configured to operate in a dormant mode in response to the first
sensor data and operates in a listening mode in response to the
second sensor data.
4. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the first sensor
data is configured to indicate user activity in proximity to the
voice controlled device.
5. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the external
device is a water consuming device.
6. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the external
device is a water faucet, a toilet, or a shower, and the sensor
data includes a sound characteristic of the water faucet, the
toilet, or the shower.
7. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the external
device is a fan and the sensor data describe humidity in a
proximity of the fan.
8. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the first sensor
data describes a flow of water.
9. The voice controlled device of claim 1, wherein the voice
controlled device is associated with a first appliance, and the
first sensor data describes operation of a second appliance.
10. A system of voice controlled devices comprising: a plurality of
microphones distributed across multiple voice controlled devices,
the plurality of microphones configured to receive voice inputs
from one or more users; a sensor configured to collect sensor data
describing an environment of a voice controlled device; and a
controller configured to operate a first subset of the plurality of
microphones independent of the voice inputs and in response to a
first sensor data and a second subset of the plurality of
microphones independent of the voice inputs and in response to a
second sensor data.
11. The system of voice controlled devices of claim 10, wherein the
sensor is an accelerometer or a light sensor.
Description
FIELD
This disclosure relates to the field of kitchen devices or
appliances and bathroom devices or appliances, and more
specifically, intelligent kitchen devices and intelligent bathroom
devices that provide functions to a user in response to sensor data
collected in relation to the user. This disclosure further relates
to intelligent kitchen devices and intelligent bathroom devices
that are connected to each other and/or another network through a
home hub communication device and may be controllable via a mobile
application and/or voice commands.
BACKGROUND
A virtual assistant provides information, performs tasks, or
provides services to a user. The virtual assistant may be a device
or a software agent. The virtual assistant may receive voice
commands through natural language processing. The information
provided by the virtual assistant may include data that is easily
accessed from the internet, including the weather, traffic, music
lyrics, or the news. The tasks performed by the virtual assistant
may include making dinner reservations, requesting a driver,
performing an internet search, or checking the news. The services
provided by the virtual assistant may include playing music,
setting a thermostat, reading a book, setting an alarm, or placing
a call.
SUMMARY
One implementation of the present disclosure is a system of
household appliances for providing services according to user
identity. The system includes a first appliance, a server, and a
second appliance. The first appliance is configured to collect
sensor data associated with an identity of a user. The server is
configured to receive the sensor data from the first appliance and
analyze the sensor data to determine the identity of the user. The
second appliance is configured to provide a device function to the
user based on the identity determined from the sensor data
collected by the first appliance.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for
providing services with household appliances according to user
identity. The method includes receiving sensor data collected by a
first appliance. The sensor data is associated with an identity of
a user. The method includes analyzing the sensor data from the
first appliance to determine the identity of the user, accessing a
user database using the identity of the user for a user
configuration, and generating a command for a device function for a
second appliance based on user configuration for the identity of
the user.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a communication
system for providing feedback data for at least one water consuming
device. The communication system includes a data collection
interface, a controller, and an output interface. The data
collection interface is configured to receive user data from at
least one collection device. The controller is configured to
perform an analysis of the user data from the at least one
collection device. The output interface is configured to provide
feedback data based on the analysis of the user data to a water
consuming device.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is communication
system for providing feedback data for water consuming devices. The
communication interface includes a data collection interface, a
controller, and an output interface. The data collection interface
is configured to receive user data from at least one water
consuming device. The controller is configured to perform an
analysis of the user data from the at least one water consuming
device. The output interface is configured to provide feedback data
based on the analysis of the user data.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is method for
coordination of household devices. The method includes receiving,
at a data collection interface, sensor data from at least one first
device. The sensor data describes a state of a user. The method
includes performing, using a controller, an analysis of the sensor
data from the at least one first device and generating, using the
controller, feedback data based on the analysis of the sensor data.
The feedback data is configured to operate a second device based on
the sensor data from the at least one first device. The at least
one first device or the second device is a water consuming
device.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
for aggregation of water condition at household appliance. The
apparatus includes a communication interface and a controller. The
communication interface is configured to send a reporting message
indicative of data collected by at least one appliance to a central
server. The controller is configured to receive an analysis message
from the central server. The analysis message indicates a condition
of water from the at least one appliance or a condition of water in
a geographic area associated with the at least one appliance. The
controller is configured to provide an alert in response to the
analysis message.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for
analyzing a reporting a condition of water. The method includes
receiving a reporting message indicative of sensor data collected
by at least one appliance. The reporting message includes an
identifier for the at least one appliance. The method includes
determining an indication of a condition of water based on the
sensor data, accessing a database according to the identifier for
the at least one appliance to determine one or more neighboring
users, generating an analysis message including the indication of
the condition of water, and sending the analysis message to the one
or more neighboring users.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
including at least one sensor and a controller. The at least one
sensor is configured to collect data for a water condition
associated with at least one first appliance. The controller is
configured to perform an analysis of the data for the water
condition, identify a resultant instruction in response to the
analysis, and send the resultant instruction to at least one second
appliance.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
including a light source array, a communication interface, and a
controller. The light source array includes one or more directional
light sources. The communication interface is configured to receive
user data from at least one appliance. The user data indicates an
identity of a user. The controller is configured to analyze the
identity of the user and activate the one or more directional light
sources in response to the identity of the user.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for
commanding a light source array. The method includes receiving user
data from at least one appliance. The user data indicates an
identity of a user. The method includes analyzing, by a processor,
the user data to identify at least one appliance to be illuminated
for the user. The method includes generating, at the processor, a
light command for a light source array comprising one or more
directional light sources to illuminate at least a portion of the
at least one appliance to be illuminated.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
including a communication interface and a controller. The
communication interface is configured to receive user data from at
least one appliance. The user data indicates an identity of a user.
The controller is configured to analyze the user data to identify
at least one appliance to be illuminated for the user. The
controller is configured to generate a light command for a light
source array including one or more directional light sources to
illuminate at least a portion of the at least one appliance to be
illuminated.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a mirror
assembly including a mirror substrate, a sensor, and a controller.
The mirror substrate is configured to provide a reflection of
objects including a user. The sensor is configured to collect
sensor data from the user. The controller is configured to analyze
the sensor data and select an auxiliary command for an auxiliary
device coordinated with the mirror assembly. The auxiliary command
is selected for the user.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for
coordinating at least one auxiliary device with a mirror assembly.
The method includes receiving sensor data for a user at the mirror
assembly, performing an analysis on the sensor data, and selecting,
based on the analysis, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device
coordinated with the mirror assembly.
The auxiliary device is spaced apart from the mirror assembly and
the auxiliary command is selected for the user. Another
implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus including
a controller for a mirror assembly and a communication interface.
The controller is configured to analyze sensor data received from a
sensor and select an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device
coordinated with the mirror assembly. The auxiliary command is
selected for the user. The communication interface is configured to
send the auxiliary command to the auxiliary device.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
including a voice controlled device includes an array of
microphones, a communication interface, and a controller. The array
of microphones is configured to receive voice inputs from one or
more users for the operation of the voice controlled device. The
communication interface is configured to receive sensor data from
an external appliance, and the sensor data describes an environment
of the voice controlled device. The controller is configured to
operate a first subset of the array of microphones in response to
first sensor data and a second subset of the plurality of
microphones in response to second sensor data.
Another implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus
including a voice controlled device includes a housing, a dock, a
microphone, and a coupling mechanism. The dock is configured to
connect the housing to multiple host appliances. The coupling
mechanism configured to receive an identification value indicative
of docking between the voice controlled device and a currently
connected host appliance. The microphone is configured to receive
one or more voice inputs for the currently connected host
appliance, and a command is provided based on the one or more voice
inputs and the identification value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the
following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 1 illustrates a bathroom setting that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent bathroom devices connected through at
least one home hub communication device, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a kitchen setting that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent kitchen devices connected through at
least one home hub communication device, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a communication network for the sets of
appliances of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow of data between appliances for providing
services to a user, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for operating at least one water consuming
device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of data between appliances for
controlling a first device based on data collected by a second
device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates bidirectional flow of data between appliances,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates another bidirectional flow of data between
appliances, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates a control system for the appliances or home hub
communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart for the home hub communication device,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a mirror and cabinet including a home
hub communication device and user interface, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 illustrates another user interface which can be presented
via a mirror and cabinet, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13 illustrates an example transitional user interface and
mirror, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a housing for a communication module
and mirror interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates controls for the communication module of FIGS.
14A and 14B, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16 illustrates a panel for the communication module of FIGS.
14A and 14B, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17 illustrates a toilet including a home hub communication
device and user interface, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a toilet and a home hub communication
device including multiple automated devices, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an automatic toilet seat, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a control panel for the home hub communication
devices, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 21 illustrates a kitchen appliance including a home hub
communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 22 illustrates a shower device including a home hub
communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 23 illustrates a communication system for the home hub
communication device FIG. 22, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 24 illustrates a bathtub including a home hub communication
device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate an interchangeable speaker.
FIG. 27 illustrates a bathroom setting that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent bathroom devices compatible with the
interchangeable speaker.
FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C illustrate a docking detection system for
the interchangeable speaker.
FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate an inductive coupling system for the
interchangeable speaker.
FIGS. 30A, 30B, AND 30C illustrate a magnetic coupling system for
the interchangeable speaker.
FIG. 31 illustrates a flow chart for the interchangeable
speaker.
FIG. 32 illustrates a flow chart for sound filtering based on
intelligent bathroom devices.
FIG. 33 illustrates a microphone array for a speaker.
FIG. 34 illustrates a microphone array across multiple
appliances.
FIG. 35 illustrates a fan including a microphone array.
FIG. 36 illustrates a flow chart for operation of the microphone
array.
FIG. 37 illustrates a remote charging and detection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A virtual assistant may record voice commands using a microphone
and send the voice commands to a cloud system through a network
connection. The cloud system may collect information in response to
the voice commands and reply to the virtual assistant with the
information. The following embodiments include household appliances
that are integrated with a virtual assistant or otherwise interact
with a virtual assistant to share data among the household
appliances. The data is collected by one appliance and utilized by
another appliance. The utilizing appliance provides services to a
user, and the services are customized based on the data shared from
the collecting appliance. In one example, the shared data includes
identifying information for the user or characteristics of the user
that are used to apply customization, configuration, or preferences
to the services provided by the utilizing appliance. The following
embodiments improve the operation of the household appliances by
increasing the data set from which personalized device functions
can be selected and performed. For example, data otherwise
unavailable at the utilizing appliance is detected at shared from
the collecting appliance. The following embodiments improve the
communication networks by standardizing the exchange of data among
household appliances.
Summary of Appliances
FIG. 1 illustrates a bathroom setting 10 that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent bathroom devices connected through at
least one home hub communication device, according to an exemplary
embodiment. The intelligent bathroom devices may include one or
more of an intelligent mirror 1, a programmable shower 2, a bathtub
sensory device 3, a bathtub level device including a drain 4 and
faucet 5, an intelligent toilet 6, a toilet seat 7, a sink faucet
8, and light guides including a light source 9a and projected
guides 9b. Each of the intelligent bathroom devices is configured
to collect data indicative of a user, communicate the data
indicative of the user to another intelligent bathroom device
either directly or indirectly, and provide services to user based
on data indicative of the user that is received from other
intelligent bathroom devices.
The intelligent mirror 1 may include a screen or other user
interface to provide selections to any of the intelligent bathroom
devices or other devices. For example, commands received at the
intelligent mirror 1 may be transmitted to any of the other devices
(e.g., to turn on, turn off, start a function, or make a
selection). Further, the status or other settings of the other
devices may be displayed by the intelligent mirror 1.
The programmable shower 2 may provide a shower sequence to the
user. The shower sequence may include any combination of a sequence
of predetermined intensities for a shower spray, a predetermined
sequence of different shower heads, a set of temperatures, or other
patterns. The shower sequences may be selected based on an
identification of the user as facilitated by another intelligent
bathroom device or other devices, data collected by the other
devices, or a user selection may through the other devices.
The bathtub sensory device 3 may provide a predetermined (e.g.,
user defined) pattern of any combination of sound, hydrotherapy,
aroma, lighting, and massage. The bathtub sensory device 3 may
include speakers integrated with or embedded in the bathtub. The
predetermined pattern may be generated or selected based on the
identification of the user as facilitated by another intelligent
bathroom device or other devices, data collected by the other
devices, or a user selection may through the other devices. The
status or pattern of the bathtub sensory device 3 may be
transmitted to and displayed by the intelligent mirror 1 or other
devices.
The bathtub level device, which may include an automated drain 4
and automated faucet 5, may automatically regulate the fill level
of the bathtub. The bathtub level device may maintain a
predetermined level or depth of the water in the bathtub and
maintain a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures of
the water. The bathtub automatically monitors changes to water
temperature in the bath and adjusts the water temperature coming
out from the faucet 5, or other location accordingly. For example,
the bathtub can adjust the water temperature coming out of the
faucet 5 based on remaining volume that need to be filled to
achieve the correct final desired state based on different ambient
temperatures. The bathtub predetermined level and predetermined
temperatures can be changed to new set values in which case the
bathtub dynamically changes its status to achieve the new set
values. For maintaining water temperature once the bath is ready
(i.e., when the water level is already at its target fill level), a
calculated volume of water is drained from the bathtub and added to
the bathtub to maintain the temperature as the water is affected by
the ambient environment. The fill level that is maintained by the
bathtub level device may be based on an identification of the user
as facilitated by another intelligent bathroom devices or other
device, data collected by the other devices, or a user selection
may through the other devices. The change in water level as
detected by the level device can be used for identification of the
user and can prompt other changes to the lighting 9, music 1, and
hydrotherapy accordingly. The status or pattern of the bathtub
level device may be transmitted to and displayed by the intelligent
mirror 1 or other devices.
The intelligent toilet 6 may provide automatic opening and closing
as well as flushing and other sanitation features. The intelligent
toilet 6 may provide lid and ring orientations or positions based
on an identification of the user as facilitated by another
intelligent bathroom device or other devices, data collected by the
other devices, or a user selection may through the other devices.
The status of the intelligent toilet 6 may be transmitted to and
displayed by the intelligent mirror 1 or other devices.
The toilet seat 7 may include a heater that increases the
temperature of the toilet seat 7 for comfort of the user. The
temperature may be selected based on an identification of the user
as facilitated by another intelligent bathroom device or other
devices, data collected by the other devices, or a user selection
may through the other devices. The toilet seat 7 may collect
biometric data or biological characteristics from the user. The
status of the toilet seat 7 or conclusions drawn from the data
collected at the toilet seat 7 may be transmitted to and displayed
by the intelligent mirror 1 or other devices.
The sink faucet 8 may provide a predetermined volume of water, a
predetermined temperature of water, or a predetermined flow
velocity of water based on an identification of the user as
facilitated by another intelligent bathroom device or other
devices, data collected by the other devices, or a user selection
may through the other devices. The sink faucet 8 may collect data
on flow quality, filtration data including particulate data (e.g.,
mineral level or metal level), or micro-organism data. The status
of the sink faucet 8 may be transmitted to and displayed by the
intelligent mirror 1 or other devices.
The light guides, including light source 9a and projected guides
9b, may project light on one or more other devices to guide the
user to the device or help illuminate the area near the device. In
response to a function being selected at one of the devices, user
selection data, or a location and/or direction associated with a
user selection, is transmitted to the light source 9a to define a
direction for projecting the projected light guides 9b. The status
of the light guides may be transmitted to and displayed by the
intelligent mirror 1. In one alternative, the light guides are
implemented as versatile tiles or tech tiles. The versatile tiles
may include lights, speakers, sensors, and/or heaters implemented
as flooring.
FIG. 2 illustrates a kitchen setting 20 that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent kitchen devices connected through at
least one home hub communication device, according to an exemplary
embodiment. The intelligent kitchen devices may include one or more
of a kitchen faucet 21, a dishwasher 22, a garbage disposal 23, a
refrigerator 24, a water heater 25, and a water filter 26. Each of
the intelligent kitchen devices may be connected to a water supply
27 and a drain 28. Each of the intelligent kitchen devices is
configured to collect data indicative of a user, communicate the
data indicative of the user to another intelligent kitchen device
either directly or indirectly, and provide services to user based
on data indicative of the user that is received from other
intelligent kitchen devices.
A control center for the kitchen may be implemented using a display
screen. The display screen may be incorporated in one or more of
the intelligent kitchen devices. For example, the refrigerator 24
may include a control center with a controller and a display 16. In
addition or in the alternative, any of the intelligent kitchen
devices may include a similar control center display 16. The
control center display 16 may communicate with any of the
intelligent kitchen devices to receive commands or data or control
the other intelligent kitchen devices.
The kitchen faucet 21 may provide a predetermined volume of water,
a predetermined temperature of water, or a predetermined flow
velocity of water based on an identification of the user as
facilitated by another intelligent bathroom device, kitchen device,
or other devices, data collected by the other devices, or a user
selection may through the other devices. The status of the kitchen
faucet 21 may be transmitted to and displayed by the control center
display 16. The kitchen faucet 21 may include a flow sensor
configured to measure a flow of water to the kitchen faucet 21,
which is transmitted to the control center controller.
The dishwasher 22 may provide various washing cycles for washing
dishes. The washing cycle may include a predetermined pattern of
washing cycles, a predetermined type of washing pattern (e.g.,
gentle cycle, pots and pans, sanitize, extra heat, steam), a
temperature setting, a turbidity setting, a water volume setting,
or another setting. The status of the dishwasher 22 may be
transmitted to and displayed by the control center display 16. The
dishwasher 22 may include a flow sensor configured to measure a
flow of water to the dishwasher 22, which is transmitted to the
control center controller.
The garbage disposal 23 may include a garburator or cutting blades
for cutting food wastes or other material into small pieces for
passing through plumbing. The garbage disposal 23 may be mounted in
line between the drain of the sink and the trap of the plumbing.
The garbage disposal 23 may include a timing setting for an amount
of time for the garbage disposal 23 to run. The garbage disposal 23
may include a quiet mode that runs at lower speed. Data collected
or generated by the garbage disposal 23 may be transmitted to and
displayed by the control center display 16. The garbage disposal 23
may include a flow sensor to measure the flow of particulate out of
the garbage disposal 23.
The refrigerator 24 may include a refrigerator compartment that
provide refrigerated storage for food and/or a freezer compartment
that provides low temperature storage for food. The refrigerator 24
may include multiple temperature settings, child safety settings,
and a status including the time and temperature. The freezer
compartment of the refrigerator 24 may include a temperature
setting and an icemaker mode for controlling the type of ice
produced by the icemaker. In addition to these settings and
statuses, the control center display 16 may provide settings and
data from any of the other intelligent kitchen devices or
intelligent bathroom devices. The refrigerator 24 may include a
flow sensor configured to measure a flow of water to the
refrigerator 24 (e.g., for example for a water dispenser or
icemaker), which is transmitted to the control center
controller.
The water heater 25 (including tank 25a, water supply 25b, and
optionally fuel supply 25c) may provide heated water to the other
appliances. The water heater 25 may include a temperature setting
that describes the target temperature for the water in the water
heater. The water heater 25 may include a volume setting that
defines an amount of water that is heated in the water heater 25.
The status of the water heater 25 may be transmitted to and
displayed by the control center display 16. The water heater 25 may
include a flow sensor configured to measure a flow of water in or
out of the water heater 25, which is transmitted to the control
center controller.
The water filter 26 may filter water before the water is provided
to any of the other kitchen devices. The water filter 26 may
include various settings including filtering modes that target
particular contaminants. For example, the water filer 26 may
include a lead filtering mode which may target removing lead from
the water, a bacteria filtering mode which may target removing
bacteria from the water, or specific particulate filtering mode for
removing a specific particulate from the water. The status of the
water filter 26 may be transmitted to and displayed by the control
center display 16. The water filter 26 may include a flow sensor
configured to measure a flow of water in or out of the water filter
26, which is transmitted to the control center controller.
Each of the intelligent kitchen devices is discussed in more detail
below. The at least one home hub communication device may be an
independent device or integrated with any of the appliances. In one
example a home hub communication device 29 may be integrated with a
counter (e.g., retractable to move below or above the counter
surface). Additional, different or fewer components may be
included.
Any of the intelligent bathroom devices may interact with any of
the kitchen devices. For example, data collected at one or more
bathroom devices may be analyzed to determine a command, a setting,
or a display at one or more of the kitchen devices, and vice versa.
For example, the identity of a user at a bathroom device may be
sent to a kitchen device for accessing configuration or preferences
for the user upon approaching the kitchen device.
Communication Network
FIG. 3 illustrates a communication network for the example sets of
appliances of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2. The communication network may
include a server 13, a network device 14, and a communication bus
or local network 15. The communication bus or local network 15 may
be connected to one or more of any combination of the intelligent
mirror (mirror assembly) 1, the programmable (automated) shower 2,
the bathtub sensory device 3, the bathtub level device including
the drain 4 and faucet 5, the intelligent (automated) toilet 6, the
toilet (automated) seat 7, the sink faucet (automated sink) 8,
light source 9a and light guides 9b, a kitchen appliance 11, and a
water system 12. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
included.
The server 13 may be a cloud device configured to communicate with
multiple network devices 14 located in multiple locations (e.g.,
different homes or businesses). The server 13 may implement a cloud
service that coordinates and analyzes data from the multiple
network devices 14 affiliates with multiple appliances.
The network device 14 may be a standalone device (e.g., having a
dedicated power supply, speaker, and/or microphone) as a home hub
communication device. Alternatively, the network device 14 may be
integrated with one or more of the appliances.
In one example, the analysis of data occurs primarily at the
network device 14, which may be referred to as the local analysis
embodiments. In another example, the analysis of data occurs
primarily at the server 13 or another remote device, which may be
referred to as the remote analysis embodiments. Hybrid embodiments
may include a combination of data analysis at the network device 14
and the server 13.
Regarding the local analysis embodiments, the network device 14
receives data collected at appliance X and performs an analysis of
the data to generate a command for appliance Y. The analysis may
include determining an identity of the user of appliance X, a
temporary state of the user of appliance X, or a command from the
user of appliance X. An example identity of the user may include an
identifier for the user (e.g., username, user number, user code).
An example temporary state of the user may include drowsiness,
complexion, sickness, or mood. An example command from the user may
turn on appliance Y or change a setting for appliance Y.
Regarding the remote analysis embodiments, the network device 14
may package or pre-process the data in a predetermined format and
transmit the data to the server 13. The network device 14 may
filter the data according to type. Example types include audio
data, image data, position data, biometric data, ambient data, or
other types. The network device 14 may select a particular type of
data to send to the server 13 based on the types of appliances
associated with the network device 14. That is, the network device
14 may sort and select data collected at appliance X, for use with
appliance Y, according to the capabilities or configuration of
appliance Y, and send the selected data to server 13. In turn, the
server 13 sends the selected data to appliance Y in response to the
capabilities or configuration of appliance Y.
For image data, the network device 14 may analyze an image of at
least a portion of the user. For position data, the network device
14 may determine a position of the user through analysis of the
image (e.g., pattern matching or line detection) or through
distance based sensors based on proximity. For biometric data, the
network device 14 may collect temperature data (e.g., heat
signature) from a temperature sensor or infrared sensor,
fingerprint data from a fingerprint sensor, or eye data from a
retina scanner. For ambient data, the network device 14 may collect
temperature, humidity, or other environmental information.
The network device 14 may package the data in a predetermined
format and transmit the data to the server 13. The predetermined
format may be specific to the type of data (e.g., a particular file
format). In one example, the collected data includes voice commands
and the predetermined format is an audio file. The predetermined
format may be an audio encoding format (e.g., Moving Picture
Experts Group (MPEG) standard, MPEG-2, mp3, wave file or other
format).
In addition to being encoded in a particular audio format, the
recorded audio may include a predetermined syntax. The voice
commands may include any combination of summons commands, request
commands, device function commands, a skill command, and other
commands.
The summons command may include a trigger word or voxel to address
the home hub communication device. The trigger word may include a
user specified name for the home hub communication device or a
brand name for the home hub communication device or a generic name
(e.g., hub or home hub) for the home hub communication device. In
another example, the trigger word may include a class of appliance
or an associated room for the appliance. The skill command may
include device identifiers and device functions. The device
identifier includes a code or a word that describes the target
device for the skill command. An example predetermined syntax for
the voice command may be [summons] [skill] or [summons] [device
identifier] [device function]. An example predetermined syntax for
the voice command that specifies the brand of the appliance may be
[summons] [brand] [skill] or [summons] [brand] [device identifier]
[device function]. An example predetermined syntax for the voice
command that specifies the class of the appliance may be [summons]
[bathroom] [skill] or [summons] [bathroom] [device identifier]
[device function].
The device identifier may include multiple components. The device
identifier may include a component identifier and a sub-component
identifier. The component identifier may describe any of the
appliances described herein. The sub-component identifier may
describe a portion of the appliances. For example, for the
component of a shower, each shower sprayer is a sub-component, and
for the component of a sink, the hot and cold water valves may be a
sub-component. The device function command may be a command to
apply to the component and/or the sub-component. For example, for
the component of a shower and shower sprayer a sub-component, the
device function may include a level setting for the shower sprayer,
and for the component of a sink, the device function may be the
temperature defining a combination of the hot and cold levels.
In one example, the summons command is omitted. For example, the
predetermined format for the home hub communication device or the
network device 14 may include a one-word theme control to
communicate from one appliance to another appliance. For example,
when the intelligent mirror 1 receives a word indicative of a local
appliance (e.g., lighting, temperature, sound, etc.) the following
words are applied directly to that local appliance.
The appliances may also be arranged in scenes, groups, and
routines. A scene is a collection of devices that respond
differently to a single command. An example scene may be "good
morning" that causes the fan to turn on, the shower to start at a
set temperature, and the lights to turn on. Another example scene
may be "lights on" that causes the ceiling lights to turn on as
well as the light on the mirror. A group is a collection of devices
that respond in a similar fashion to one or more commands. An
example group of devices may be all the lights. Another example
group of devices is the door locks in the home. The group may be
triggered to turn on all of the lights or lock all of the doors. A
routine is a time sequence that of events that is applied to one or
more appliances. For example, the shower may be started and then,
after a first predetermined time period (e.g., two minutes) after
the shower is started, the lights at the mirror are turned on,
after a second predetermined time period (e.g., 10 minutes), the
intensity, brightness, or color temperature is of the light is
changed.
Another example predetermined syntax for the voice command may be
[scene], which may access a scene access table to convert the scene
to multiple full commands (e.g., [summons] [skill] or [summons]
[device identifier] [device function]). Another example
predetermined syntax for the voice command may be [group] [device
function], which may access a scene access table to convert the
scene to multiple full commands (e.g., [summons] [skill] or
[summons] [device identifier] [device function]). Another example
predetermined syntax for the voice command may be [routine], which
may access a scene access table to convert the scene to a sequence
of full commands (e.g., [summons] [skill1] or [summons] [device
identifier1] [device function1], [delay], [summons] [skill2] or
[summons] [device identifier2] [device function2]).
The appliances may communicate using a master and slave model. The
master device may be defined as the device that directly
communicates with the server 13 and receives voice commands from
the user, and the slave device may be defined as the device that
receives instructions from the server 13 in response to the voice
commands router to the server 13 through the master device. In some
embodiments, the network device 14 is the master device and one or
more of the appliances are slave devices.
In another example, the network device 14 is omitted, or otherwise
provides only network functionality, and one of the appliances
operates as the master devices while one or more other of the
appliances operates as the slave device. The appliances may be
configured to perform a priority order algorithm for determining
which of the appliances are designated as master devices and which
of the appliances are designated as slave devices. The priority
order algorithm may be based on one or more priority techniques
including order of connection, order of installation, order of user
preference, order of manufacturer preferences, and/or user
proximity preference.
The order of connection may indicate the first appliance that
connects to the network device 14 or server 13. The network device
14 or the server 13 may assign master status or slave status to the
appliances upon connection to the network. For example, when an
appliance connects to the network, the appliance may send a
connection request to the network device 14 or server 13. The
connection request may include a device identifier for the
appliance and/or a list of device functions compatible with the
appliance. In response to the connection request, the network
device 14 or the server 13 may return a status such as a slave
status or a master status to the appliance. For the order of
connection technique, when the connection request is the first
connection request or only active connection request, the network
device 14 or server 13 return a master status to the appliance.
When the connection request is not the first connection request or
not the only active connection request (i.e., another active
connection exists), the network device 14 or server 13 may return a
slave status to the appliance. The appliance follows a master mode
in response to the master status or a slave mode in response to the
slave mode.
In another example for the order of connection technique, the
network device 14 or the server 13 may assign master status or
slave status to the appliances based on internet protocol (IP)
address. On the network, dynamic IP addresses may be assigned in
numeric sequence according to the order that the appliances connect
to the network. The network device 14 or the server 13 may receive
a connection request from an appliance and the connection request
may include the IP address for the appliance. The network device 14
or the server 13 may analyze the IP address and return a master
status or a slave status to the appliance in response to the
analysis of the IP address. In one example, the network device 14
or the server 13 may store the received IP addresses in memory and
compare the received IP addresses. The network device 14 or the
server 13 may assign the master status to the lowest IP address and
the slave status to other IP addresses. In another example, the
network device 14 or the server 13 may assign the master status or
the slave status to a predetermined IP address. The assignment of
IP addresses to the master or slave status may be defined according
to user input or an external device.
The order of installation technique may designate the first
appliance to be installed or powered on as the master device. The
network device 14 or the server 13 may determine the first
appliance to be installed or powered on based on a wireless
communication (e.g., Bluetooth broadcast). The individual
appliances may record a local timestamp for the time that the
appliance is installed or powered on. The network device 14 or the
server 13 may determine the first appliance to be installed or
powered on a connection request from an appliance when the
connection request includes the timestamp stored by the
appliance.
The order of user preference may be set by a user input or a
default order. The order of user preference may specify individual
appliances. For example, the order of preference may specify the
intelligent mirror, intelligent toilet, intelligent shower, light
guides or other devices. Any order of appliances is possible. The
order of user preference may specify types of appliances. For
example, the order of types of appliances may specify bathroom
appliances then kitchen appliances, or the order of types of
appliances may specify appliances with user interfaces (e.g.,
intelligent mirror), appliances with mobile device control (e.g.,
intelligent toilet), appliances without user interfaces (e.g.,
automatic leveling bathtub), and passive appliances (e.g., light
guides and versatile tiles). Within each hierarchy in the order, a
second ordering technique may be used. For example, among the user
appliances with user interfaces, the second order may specify the
order the appliances were connected to the network.
The order of manufacturer preference may be an order of devices
specified by the manufacturer. Each appliance may store an
alphanumeric code (e.g., A, 1, or another code) that indicates the
order. The appliance may send a connection request to the network
device 14 or the server 13 including the alphanumeric code for
ordering. The network device 14 or the server 13 may order the
codes received from multiple devices. The highest code may be
designated master status and other codes may be designated slave
status.
The user proximity technique may dynamically change the master and
slave status according to the presence of the user. For example, as
each appliance detects the proximity of the user through a
proximity sensor or another type of sensor, the appliance may
report the proximity to the network device 14 or the server 13. The
network device 14 or the server 13 may assign a master status to
the appliance with the closest proximity to the user. Other devices
may be assigned a slave status. The master status changes
dynamically. As the user moves from one device to another, the
master status is updated. For example, when the user moves from
near appliance X to near appliance Y, the network device 14 or the
server 13 may change the status of appliance X from master to slave
and change the status of appliance Y from slave to master.
In the master mode, one appliance can be configured to lead a group
of appliances. The master device may be the only device that
receives audio commands from the user. Audio commands at other
appliances in the slave mode may be ignored. The master mode may
enable a microphone of the appliance, and the slave mode may
disable a microphone of the appliance. An appliance in master mode
may issue instructions to other appliances in slave mode.
In addition to exchanging information with each other, the
appliances may exchange information with an external device 30
through the network device 14 and or the server 13. The external
device 30 may be associated with a manufacturer (e.g., the
appliance manufacturer), an insurance provider, a utility provider
or another entity.
The external device 30 may be configured to compile and analyze
data connected by the appliances and shared through the network
device 14 and the server 13. In one example, the network device 14
generates a report in response to the feedback data, and sends the
report to the external device 30. The external device 30 may
provide the user with service benefits in exchange for the shared
data. The external device 30 may compile feedback data for multiple
types of appliances and/or multiple locations for the appliances.
The external device 30 may store the feedback data in association
with the geographic locations of the appliances that collected the
feedback data. The compiled data or the report may be indicative of
geographically related events such as water containments,
illnesses, or pollution.
The manufacturer, using the external device 30, may collect data
related to usage, maintenance, or malfunction. The usage data
describes when the user uses the appliance (e.g., a time of day or
day of the week) and how the user uses the appliance (e.g., the
shower door is closed, the water faucet is turned on). The external
device 30 may calculate from the usage data how often and the
duration a particular feature of an appliance is used. For example,
for the toilet, the external device 30 may determine a number of
seated users and a number of standing users. Features may be added
or removed from a device based on the usage data. The maintenance
data may describe when maintenance is applied to the appliance such
as a consumable is replaced (e.g., water filter, seal, disinfectant
solution) or when a maintenance provider visits the appliance. The
malfunction data may include errors that are logged by the
appliance. Errors may include electronic errors with the
controller, water leaks or other plumbing errors, or communication
errors with the network. The external device 30 may provide alerts
to the user based on the collected data. Example alerts based on
maintenance data may describe when a consumable should be
reordered. The network device 14 may automatically reorder the
consumable.
The network device 14 (e.g., a home hub communication device or
appliance with integrated a home hub communication device)
including a speaker and the external device 30 may coordinate to
provide service assistance to the user. After diagnostics are
performed at the external device 30 based on data collected at the
appliances, the external device 30 provides feedback to the network
device 14 in the form of announcement of a service call and/or
scheduling, do-it-yourself instructions for the user to perform
maintenance on the appliance, or error codes for the user to apply
to the appliance or provide to a technician. The external device 30
may also send appropriate diagnostic routines, software upgrades,
firmware upgrades or other local settings to the network device
14.
The insurance provider, through the external device 30, may collect
data related to user habits. Example habits include frequency of
sanitary actions such as washing hands, or frequency of risk taking
actions such as showering. The utility provider may collect data
related to water usage at the appliances at different times of day
in order to price water costs at different levels during the day.
The pricing scheme may encourage water to be used more evenly
throughout the day, which improves overall water conservation.
A collection of all the settings for the one or more of the
appliances may be stored by the network device 14 or the server 13.
The collection of settings may be a user passport that is
transferrable to different locations through the server 13 (e.g.,
transferred to external device 30). The different locations may be
different houses, hotels, or other rooms. In other words, the
collection of settings for the appliances in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2
may be saved and stored in association with the user. When the user
travels to another location such as a hotel room, the settings are
provided on appliances at the other location. The external device
30 may access the user passport based on user identity such as a
credit card, communication with the user's phone, a detection of
the user's entity, or a code directly entered at the other
location.
Appliance Coordination
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow of data between appliances for providing
services to a user, according to an exemplary embodiment. A network
device 14 communicates with a first appliance 31 and a second
appliance 32. The first appliance 31 may provide services to the
user 33 based on data collected at the second appliance 32, or vice
versa. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
included.
The network device 14 may include a data collection interface 36, a
controller 34, and an output interface 38. The data collection
interface 36 and/or the output interface 38 may be configured to
communicate with the first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance
32 using a wireless network or a personal area network. Example
wireless networks include cellular networks, the family of
protocols known as Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11, the family of protocols
known as Bluetooth, or another protocol. The cellular technologies
may be analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), the global
system for mobile communication (GSM), third generation partnership
project (3GPP), code division multiple access (CDMA), personal
handy-phone system (PHS), and 4G or long term evolution (LTE)
standards, or another protocol. Example wireless networks may
include a wireless mesh network (e.g., Bluetooth mesh). The
wireless mesh network many include may to many communication. For
example, the appliances of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 may be directly
connected to form a mesh network. Example personal area networks
may include the family of protocols known as Bluetooth low energy
or another low energy protocol configured to maintain a
predetermined distance range under a predetermined power
consumption level. The wireless mesh network may include one or
more nodes for appliances using Bluetooth low energy.
In one implementation, the network device 14 communicates with at
least one water consuming device. Example water consuming devices
include the programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3,
the bathtub level device including the drain 4 and faucet 5, the
intelligent toilet 6, the automated sink 8, the kitchen appliance
11, and the water system 12. The water consuming device is
connected to a water supply or plumbing system. The water consuming
device may include at least one sensor associated with the water
supply such as a flow sensor that measures the flow of water or
other types of sensors.
The data collection interface 36 is configured to receive user data
from at least one water consuming device (e.g., the first appliance
31 and/or the second appliance 32). While only unidirectional
communication is illustrated in FIG. 4, the data collection
interface 36 may connect with both the first appliance 31 and the
second appliance 32 for bidirectional communication. The user data
may describe sensor data collected at the first appliance 31 and/or
the second appliance 32, entry data entered by the user at the
first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance 32, logged data
recorded at the first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance 32,
or configuration data accessed the first appliance 31 and/or the
second appliance 32.
The sensor data, or user data, is collected at the first appliance
31 and/or the second appliance 32. The sensor data may describe the
spatial position of the user. For example, the sensor data may be
collected by a motion sensor or a proximity sensor. The sensor data
may include three-dimensional coordinates of the spatial position
of the user of a portion of the user (e.g., feet, hands, or body).
The sensor data may be collected by an eye gaze sensor that
determines a line of sight or angular orientation of the face of
the user. The sensor data may describe a gesture or movement made
by the user. Example, gestures include pointing handwaving, or
directional movements such as raising or lowering a hand to change
a setting. The sensor data may include an infrared or laser scan of
the area near the first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance
32.
The sensor data may be collected by a camera or image collection
device. The sensor data may be analyzed using an image processing
technique to determine the color, brightness, or hue of the user.
Alternatively, the image processing technique may determine the
size, shape, gender, age, or other demographic data for the user.
The sensor data may describe the state of the body of the user
using another characteristic such as heart rate, temperature, the
presence of sweat, or odor.
The entry data can be entered by the user at the first appliance 31
and/or the second appliance 32. The entry data may include login
data or login credentials (e.g., a username and certifying
information). The entry data may include a selection for operating
the first appliances 31. The entry data for operating the first
appliance 31 may be used to operate the second appliance 32. For
example, a temperature setting for the automated shower 2 may be
indicative of user preferences and used to determine a temperature
setting for the automated sink 8.
The logged data can be recorded at the first appliance 31 and/or
the second appliance 32. The logged data may describe the habits of
the users over time. The logged data may include device settings
associated with time stamps. The network device 14 may analyze the
logged data to identify trends in the historical data. For example,
a temperature setting may tend to be warmer in winter months and
lower in summer months. The network device 14 may calculate a
season factor for adjusting the temperature setting at the second
appliance 32 based on historical data collected at the first
appliance 31.
The configuration data accessed the first appliance 31 and/or the
second appliance 32 may relate to particular features of the
appliance. For example, a particular user may use a mute setting to
disable a speaker of the first appliance 31. The network device 14
may identify the mute setting from the first appliance 31 and send
a mute command to the second appliance 32 based on the user's
preference.
The user data from the collection device may describe a condition
of the user. Example conditions of the user includes a temperature,
a heart rate, a height, a weight, a drowsiness, a complexion, a
malnutrition, a hydration, or other conditions.
The user data may be modified by the data collection interface 36
or the controller 34. The user data may be filtered to remove
noise. A hysteresis control algorithm may be applied to the user
data. A first threshold may be applied to increasing data and a
second threshold may be applied to decreasing data to prevent rapid
threshold crossings from being present in the user data. The user
data may be averaged over a predetermined time period to reduce the
effects of outlier data points.
The controller 34 is configured to perform an analysis of the user
data from the at least one collection device. The analysis may
compare the user data to a threshold or profile that is indicative
of a device function. When the data is greater than the threshold
level or matches a predetermined portion of the profile, the
controller 34 generates feedback data for another device.
The controller 34 may average user settings or preferences for one
or more features of the at least one collection device and save the
average as the feedback data. The averaged preference for one or
more features of the at least one collection device may include a
temperature setting, a volume of water, a light intensity, or a
light direction. For example, when the collection device is a
shower, the controller 34 may average the temperature settings by
all users or multiple instances of a single user to calculate a
temperature for the feedback data.
The output interface 38 is configured to provide feedback data
based on the analysis of the user data to the first appliance 31.
The feedback data may be applied by the water consuming appliance
to set a water temperature, a water volume, or a water pattern in
response to the feedback data. The feedback data may activate or
deactivate the first appliance 31 or a particular function of the
first appliance 31.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method for coordination of
household devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method
may be performed by the network device 14, or specific aspects of
the method may be performed by the data collection interface 36,
the controller 34, and the output interface 38, respectively.
Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.
At act S101, the data collection interface 36 receives sensor data
from at least one first device, the sensor data describing a state
of a user. The at least one first device may be a water consuming
device (e.g., bathtub, sink, shower, toilet). The state of the user
may be the presence of the user, the position of the user, or a
measured characteristic of the user.
At act S103, the controller 34 performs an analysis of the sensor
data from the at least one first device. At act S105, the
controller 34 generates feedback data based on the analysis of the
sensor data. The feedback data may include an instruction to
operate a second device or a particular device function. When the
state of the user is the presence of the user, the analysis may
include comparing the presence or absence of the user to a lookup
table that lists device functions that are activated when the user
is present. Example device functions that are activated when the
user is present may include a light, a microphone, or a heater.
When the state of the user is the presence of the user, the
analysis may include comparing the position to a lookup table that
lists device functions that are activated when the user is at
certain positions. Example device functions that are activated
based on position may include turning on the water when the user is
at the sink, flushing a toilet when the user is positioned away
from the toilet, or turning on a light based on the position of the
user. When the state of the user is a measured characteristic
(e.g., temperature, color, or mood), the analysis may include
comparing the measured characteristic to a lookup table for the
measured characteristic.
At act S107, a second device is operated using the feedback data
based on the user data from the at least one first device. The
second device may be operated in response to instructions issued by
the controller 34. The second device may be a water consuming
device (e.g., bathtub, sink, shower, toilet).
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of data between appliances for
controlling a first device based on data collected by a second
device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The network device 41
described with respect to FIG. 4 may be included or omitted from
the example of FIG. 6. The flow of data between appliances may
include multiple types of data including but not limited to an
audio recording 43, command data 45, and a setting 47.
The recording 43 may include audio data including a voice command.
Example voice commands may include any combination of summons
commands, request commands, device function commands, a skill
command, and other commands. The voice command may include a
predetermined syntax (e.g., [summons], [device function command]).
The voice command may include natural language. The recording 43
may be interpreted at the first appliance 31, server 13, or at the
network device 14. Alternatively, the voice command may be
interpreted at the second appliance 32 and encoded as command data
45. The command data 45 may include a data packet with a device
identifier and a function identifier. In addition, the user may
directly enter an instruction to the second appliance 32 that is to
be applied to the first appliance 31. The direct command may be
transferred between appliances as setting 47.
FIG. 7 illustrates bidirectional flow of data between appliances,
according to an exemplary embodiment. The network device 14
described with respect to FIG. 4 may be included or omitted from
the example of FIG. 6. The flow of data between appliances may
include multiple types of data including but not limited to sensor
data 37 and command data 45. The first appliance 31 collects sensor
data 37 and sends the sensor data 37 directly to the second
appliance 32, or indirectly through the network device 14 and/or
the server 13. The second appliance 32 analyzes the sensor data 37
collected at the first appliance 31 and sends command data 45
directly to the first appliance 31, or indirectly through the
network device 14 and/or the server 13.
User Identification
FIG. 8 illustrates another flow of data between appliances for user
identification, according to an exemplary embodiment. The network
device 14 communicates with the first appliance 31 and the second
appliance 32. The first appliance 31 may provide services to the
user 33 based on data collected at the second appliance 32, or vice
versa. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
included.
The first appliance 31 is configured to collect sensor data
associated with an identity of a user. The sensor data associated
with the identity of the user may include identity data 19,
biometric data 35, or sensor data 37. The identity data 39 may
include a username or other identifier for the identity of the user
of the first appliance 31. The identity data 39 may be derived from
image data or proximity data that describes the user. The biometric
data 35 may include a body profile, a fingerprint, facial
recognition, or other data. The sensor data 37 may include
temperature, stress, blood pressure, wakefulness, or other
transient characteristics.
The second appliance 32 may access a configuration for the user
based on the user identity determined from the sensor data
collected by the first appliance. The device function is then
defined according to the configuration for the user. The
configuration for the user includes a height for the device
function, a temperature for the device function, a time delay for
the device function, a volume for the device function, or a
sequence for the device function, or other settings.
The server 13 or the network device 14 analyzes the sensor data to
determine the identity of the user. The second appliance 32 is
configured to provide a device function to the user based on
identity determined from the sensor data collected by the first
appliance. Additional appliances may be connected as well. For
example, a third appliance may be configured to provide a device
function to the user based on identity determined from the sensor
data collected by the first appliance. In any of the bathroom
appliances described with respect to FIG. 1, the kitchen appliances
described with respect to FIG. 2, or other appliances may be the
first appliance 31 or the second appliance 32. In another
implementation, the first appliance 31 or the second appliance 32
is a bathroom appliance connected to plumbing or the water system.
In another implementation, the first appliance 31 or the second
appliance 32 is a water consuming appliance.
In addition to further examples of device functions described
herein, the following are examples of device functions applied by
the second appliance 32 based on identification data collected at
the first appliance 31. In one example, the device function may
turn on (activate) or turn off (deactivate) a power status, a
standby status, or a data or water flow to the intelligent mirror
1, the programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3, the
bathtub level device for faucet 5, the intelligent toilet 6, the
toilet seat 7, the sink faucet 8, the light source 9a, the kitchen
faucet 21, the dishwasher 22, the garbage disposal 23, the
refrigerator 24, the water heater 25, and/or the water filter
26.
Specific examples of device functions for the programmable shower 2
may include determining a shower sequence in response to the
identity of the user determined by the server 13 based on the
sensor data collected by the first appliance 31. The shower
sequence may include at least one timing component for the user, at
least one temperature component for the user, at least one shower
head selection for the user, or at least one spray selection for
the user. The shower sequence may vary based on season, weather,
time of day, or day of week. When the sensor data includes a state
of the user based on health, heart rate, temperature, or stress,
the shower sequence is based on the state of the user.
Specific examples of device functions for the bathtub device may be
applied to the bathtub sensory device 3 or the bathtub level device
for faucet 5. The device function may be a flow of water, a
temperature of water, or activating or deactivating the faucet 5.
The device function may specify a level of the bath. The drain and
faucet 5 may be coordinated (e.g., commands to release some water
and add some water to the bath) to maintain a specific level. In
addition or in the alternative, the drain and faucet 5 may be
coordinated to maintain a specific temperature for the bath. The
device function may cause the bathtub sensory device 3 to emit a
sequence of audio or vibration to the bath. The sequence may be
music or a series of vibration pulses.
Specific examples of device functions for the intelligent toilet 6
may include flushing the toilet, cleaning the toilet, illuminating
the toilet, or warming a portion of the toilet. Specific examples
of device functions for the faucets may include a volume of water,
a temperature of water, or a time duration of water. The second
appliance 32 includes the light source 9a configured to illuminate
a specific area as the device function.
Specific examples of device functions for the water filter 26
configured to filter a flow of water. The filter may be selected
based on the identity of the users. A user configuration may
include a preference for water filtering that specifies a
particular type of filtering or a substance to be removed from the
water. The water filtering may also be implemented by any faucet,
the refrigerator 24, or the water heater 25. In addition, a water
additive system may be implemented by any faucet, the refrigerator
24, the water heater 25, the water filter 26, or another water
consuming device. The water additive system is configured to
provide an additive to a flow of water. A user configuration may
include a preference for water additive that specifies a particular
additive for the water. Example additives described herein include
fluoride, vitamins, or flavoring.
FIG. 9 illustrates a control system 301 for the appliances or home
hub communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
control system 301 can be implemented by any of the appliances in
FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2, the network device 14 or the server 13. The
control system 301 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a
communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices (e.g.,
appliances, network device 14, or server 13, respectively) or to
the internet and/or other networks 346. The components of the
control system 301 may communicate using bus 348. The control
system 301 may be connected to a workstation or another external
device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user
inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values described
herein. Optionally, the control system 301 may include an input
device 355 and/or a sensing circuit in communication with any of
the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from
as described above. Optionally, the control system 301 may include
a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer
media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer
components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to
perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the
algorithms described herein.
FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for the operation of one appliance
based on identification data collected at another appliance,
according to an exemplary embodiment. The acts of the flow chart
may be performed by any combination of the home hub communication
device, the network device 14 or the server 13. Portions of one or
more acts may be performed by the appliance. Additional, different
of fewer acts may be included.
At act S201, control system 301 (e.g., through communication
interface 353) receives sensor data collected by the first
appliance 31. The sensor data is associated with an identity of a
user. The sensor data may be received through wireless
communication and encoded with a timestamp, a device identifier for
the first appliance 31, and a data type identifier for the type of
sensor that collected the sensor data. The sensor data may be
collected by a combination of sensors. The communication interface
353 may include circuitry, a module, or an application specific
controller as a means for receiving sensor data collected by the
first appliance.
At act S203, the control system 301 (e.g., through processor 300)
analyzes the sensor data from the first appliance to determine the
identity of the user. The control system 301 may match a physical
characteristic described in the sensor data with a stored value for
the user. The control system 301 may match a series of values over
time, or a series of values across multiple sensors, with a stored
profile for the user. The processor 300 may include circuitry, a
module, or an application specific controller as a means for
analyzing the sensor data from the first appliance to determine the
identity of the user.
At act S205, the control system 301 (e.g., through processor 300)
accesses a user database using the identity of the user for a user
configuration. The user configuration may include preferences for
the user applicable across multiple appliances such as whether or
not to enable or disable types of device functions. The user
configuration may include specific settings saved for the user. The
user configuration may include a sequence of preferred function or
a time for when particular device function is preferred by the
user. The processor 300 may include circuitry, a module, or an
application specific controller as a means for accessing a user
database using the identity of the user for a user
configuration
At act S207, the control system 301 (e.g., through processor 300)
generates settings for controlling generating a command for a
device function for a second appliance based on user configuration
for the identity of the user. The processor 300 may include
circuitry, a module, or an application specific controller as a
means for generating a command for a device function for a second
appliance based on user configuration for the identity of the
user.
Intelligent Mirror
FIG. 11A (and the exploded view FIG. 11B) illustrate an example
mirror 101, and cabinet behind the mirror 101, including a home hub
communication device, at least one light strip 103, and user
interface 105. Alternatively, the mirror 101 may communicate with
another home hub communication device, which may be a standalone
device or integrated with another appliance. Additional, different,
or fewer components may be included.
The mirror 101 may include a mirror substrate configured to provide
a reflection of objects including a user. The mirror substrate
reflects substantially all of the light that meets the mirror
substrate at the same angle the light meets the mirror substrate
and/or substantially none of the light is absorbed or scattered.
Substantially all of the light may mean 90%, 99% or another
proportion of the light. Substantially none of the light may mean
10% 1% or another proportion of the light. The mirror substrate may
be made from polished material or from transparent glass that is
coated with a thin layer of reflective metal (e.g., silver or
aluminum).
The mirror 101 may include a sensor 102 configured to collect
sensor data from the user. The sensor 102 may be an image
collection device with a lens such as a digital aperture collection
device (e.g., camera) or an image collection device with a charge
coupled device (CCD) such as an integrated circuit formed on a
silicon surface forming light sensitive elements. The image
collection device may collect images for facial recognition of the
user. The image collection device may collect images for
recognizing an image signature of the user such as the color or
shape (e.g., bone density, outline, height, and/or weight) of the
user. Other body properties may be determined from the image of the
user including skin qualities at a cellular level, signs of hormone
imbalance, aging, sun damage, pigmentation, color, inflammation,
environmental impacts, or other abnormalities. For example, the
images of the user's teeth may be analyzed for feedback for
brushing teeth. The mirror 101 detects whether brushing or flossing
was sufficient and instructs the user to continue brushing or
flossing. In another example, the images of the user's muscles are
analyzed to determine muscle conditions (e.g., strains, pulls, or
tears) which are highlighted on the display and transmitted to an
exercise device for a customized workout or to a trainer or website
for customized exercise plan.
The sensor 102 may be a relative distance collection device such as
a proximity sensor or a laser scanner. The laser scanner may emit
one or more laser pulses that reflect off of objects and are
received by the laser scanner. The time of flight for the laser
pulses indicates the distance to the objects. The proximity sensor
may detect a presence of an object at a predetermined distance or
within a predetermined distance range. The proximity sensor may
include a microwave or radar sensor. Example predetermined
distances may be 28 inches, 1 meter or another distance. The range
of the proximity sensor may be cone shaped.
The sensor 102 may be a temperature mapping device such as an
infrared camera for detecting a heat signature of the user. The
sensor 102 may be a retina scanner configured to scan the eyes of
the user. The retina scan may indicate an eye signature for
identification of the user. The retina scan may reveal the blood
sugar level of the user.
The sensor 102 may be an audio sensor such as a microphone. The
sensor 102 may detect odors. The sensor 102 may detect volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) or other carbon based (organic) chemicals
(compounds) that are indicative of odor. The sensor 102 may be an
environment sensor such as a temperature sensor, a light sensor, or
a humidity sensor. The sensor 102 may be a remote sensor in another
location (e.g., a different room than the mirror assembly 101.
The mirror assembly 101 comprises user interface 105, which is
configured to receive an instruction from the user and/or display
data to the user. The instruction from the user may trigger an
auxiliary command for the auxiliary device. The data displayed at
the user interface 105 includes status data for the auxiliary
device, settings data for the auxiliary device, configuration data
for the user, or type data for the auxiliary device.
The user interface 105 may include a touchscreen. The user
interface 105 may include a temporal component 107, a user input
109, and a weather component 111. FIG. 12 illustrates another
example user interface for a mirror and cabinet, including a
similar temporal component 107 and weather component 111. FIG. 13
illustrates another embodiment of the user interface and mirror
substrate integrated as a transitional user interface and mirror.
By varying an electric current through different portions of the
mirror substrate, the mirror substrate may change between a mirror
and the user interface. A network of traces or wires carry the
varying electric current. In one example, when data is received
from another device, the current is varied so that a portion of the
mirror becomes a user interface. In one example, when a summons
command is received from the user, the current is varied so that a
portion of the mirror becomes a user interface.
FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an apparatus for a mirror including a
support housing 115, a sensor module 121, a control module housing
122, and mirror interface 120, according to an exemplary
embodiment. A control module 123 may be shaped to mate and/or fit
inside the control module housing 122. The control module 123 may
include a control interface 130 on the underside. FIG. 14A
illustrates a wider support housing 115 and FIG. 14B illustrates a
narrow support housing 115. FIG. 14B also illustrates support feet
124 for holding the control module 123 to the support housing 115.
Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
The sensor module 121 may include one or more of the types of
sensors that collect sensor data in the examples described herein.
The sensor data for a user is received at the mirror assembly 101,
or specifically control module 123, from the sensor module 121 or
an external sensor. The control module 123 may include a controller
configured to analyze the sensor data and select an auxiliary
command for an auxiliary device coordinated with the mirror
assembly, the auxiliary command selected for the user.
The auxiliary device is one of the appliances described herein. The
auxiliary device may be an adjacent device within the same room as
the mirror assembly 101 or less than a predetermined distance to
the mirror assembly 101. The auxiliary device may be a remote
device in a different room from the mirror assembly 101 or greater
than a predetermined distance from the mirror assembly 101. With
respect to the mirror assembly 101, the adjacent devices may
include bathroom devices such as the intelligent mirror 1, the
programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3, the bathtub
level device, the intelligent toilet 6, the toilet seat 7, the sink
faucet 8, light guides, or a fan. With respect to the mirror
assembly 101, the remote devices may include kitchen devices such
as the kitchen faucet 21, the dishwasher 22, the garbage disposal
23, the refrigerator 24, the water heater 25, and the water filter
26.
The control module 123 may select, based on the analysis of the
sensor data, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device
coordinated with the mirror assembly 101. The auxiliary command may
be selected for a particular user. The auxiliary command for the
auxiliary device is based on the instruction from the user received
at the user interface and the data displayed at the user interface
includes status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device.
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received at the user interface 105. For example, the user may enter
a command for the programmable shower 2 (e.g., select shower
sequence or turn on/off shower), a command for the bathtub sensory
device 3 (e.g., select a bath experience), a command for the
bathtub level device (e.g., select a bath level), a command for the
intelligent toilet 6 (e.g., flush or close the lid), a command for
the toilet seat 7 (e.g., raise or lower the toilet seat), a command
for the sink faucet 8 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a
command for light guides (e.g., a position or angle for the light),
a command for the fan (e.g., a fan speed or on/off), a command for
the kitchen faucet 21 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a
command for the dishwasher 22 (e.g., a cleaning mode or on/off), a
command for the garbage disposal 23 (e.g., a speed or on/off), a
command for the refrigerator 24 (e.g., select a temperature), a
command for the water heater 25, (e.g., select a temperature), or a
command for the water filter 26 (e.g., activate or deactivate).
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the control module 123 from another of the auxiliary
devices. For example, data collected regarding height from a shower
setting may be applied to a toilet seat position, a position of the
user interface 105 on the mirror substrate or a position of a light
guide. Configuration data for the user may be based on the
identification of the user or detection of the user and preferences
previously established for the user. Type data for the auxiliary
device may be used to apply a setting across a class of devices.
For example, the user preferences may specify a temperature that is
applied to all auxiliary devices with a temperature setting.
In one example, the control module 123 includes the components
illustrated by FIG. 9. The control module 123 may include a
communication interface configured to send the auxiliary command to
the auxiliary device.
The control module 123 may include a speaker configured to provide
audio for status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device. The speaker may be movable. The control
module 123 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the speaker toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the speaker may be configurable. The control module
123 may set a volume of the speaker based on the task performed by
the user, the identity of the user, the age of the user, the height
of the user, the preferences of the user. For example, volume may
be set proportional to age. Certain tasks may invoke higher
volumes. For example, when the shower is running a higher volume is
used.
The control module 123 may include a microphone configured to
collect audio (e.g., voice commands) for settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device. The microphone may be movable. The control
module 123 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the microphone toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the microphone may be configurable.
The voice commands received at the control module 123 may include
device identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device
functions to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are
described herein with respect to various appliances. In addition,
the voice commands may include a device identifier for the mirror
assembly 101, or omitting the device identifier may default to the
mirror assembly, and a device function for the mirror assembly 101.
Example functions performed at the mirror assembly 101 may include
control of the lights, control of the light guide, selection of the
collected data and selection of the displayed data.
The control of the lights (e.g., light strip 103) may include the
color of the lights, brightness of the lights, intensity of the
lights, or schedule for the lights. The control of the light guide
may include an angle or position for the light is determined based
on the auxiliary command selected for the user. For example, the
voice command may instruct the light guide to illuminate
handwashing in response to the voice command. The selection of the
collected data may enable or disable one or more sensors. The
selection of the displayed data may enable or disable the display
of external data (e.g., weather) or data received from auxiliary
devices.
In one example, the control module 123 may include an inductive
charging assembly including one or more inductive chargers. The
inductive chargers may include coils of wire configured to produce
magnetic fields that charge batteries in mobile devices. The mobile
device may be placed on control module 123 to charge the battery of
the mobile device. A charging assembly may be incorporated into any
of the appliances described herein.
FIG. 15 illustrates a control interface 130 for the communication
module of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to an exemplary embodiment.
The control interface 130 may include one or more tactile switches
such as a volume control 137, a capacitive light control 133, and a
wireless network toggle button 135. The capacitive light control
133, or any of the inputs to the control interface 130 may include
a capacitive sensor responsive to touch. Adjacent to the control
interface 130 may be one or more speakers 132, and an array of
light emitting diodes (LEDs) including nightlight LEDs 134 and home
hub communication indicators 136.
The control interface 130 may provide a command for the auxiliary
device. As shown, volume control 137 and/or capacitive light
control 133 may be applied to auxiliary devices. Otherwise, the
control interface 130 may include an activation for turning an
auxiliary device on and off. The wireless network toggle button 135
may also turn wireless communication with an auxiliary device on
and off.
FIG. 16 illustrates a cabinet including a panel 140 for the control
module 123 of FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to an exemplary
embodiment. The cabinet, including one or more storage spaces or
compartments, may be coupled to the mirror interface 120.
Alternatively, the mirror interface 120 may be omitted. The panel
140 may include a universal serial bus or similar communication
port 141, a microphone activated or muted LED 143, an inquiry LED
145, and a proximity sensor 147.
The communication port 141 may connect to a laptop or smart phone
for setup or configuration of the control module 123. In one
example, configuration requires a hard wired connection. The
communication port 141 may be used as a charging port for a phone,
a shaver, a hair dryer, or other chargeable appliance. The
communication port 141 may communication with supplemental or
replacement lights, speakers or microphones.
The microphone activated or muted LED 143 is an indicator that
indicates when the microphone is in use. The user may activate or
deactivate the microphone using a voice command or other user
input. The inquiry LED 145 may indicate that voice commands are
being received. For example, the inquiry LED 145 may illuminate in
response to the summons command. Thus, the inquiry LED 145
indicates that the home hub communication device has correctly
identified that voice commands are being received. The proximity
sensor 147 may be used in coordination with sensor 102.
Intelligent Toilet
FIG. 17 illustrates a 150 including a home hub communication device
and user interface, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
toilet 150 is a plumbing fixture including a basin 156, a lid 158,
a seat 154, and a housing. The seat 154 may be controlled by an
electromechanical lifting and closing device configured to
automatically open and close the seat. The toilet 150 may receive a
fluid input (e.g., water) from a fluid supply line and may deliver
the fluid to basin 156 via an internal fluid connection (not
shown). The toilet 150 may receive electrical energy from an
external or internal energy source. For example, the toilet 150 may
connect to a standard residential power outlet (e.g., 120 V 60 Hz),
a power generator, or other power source (e.g., batteries,
capacitors, etc.). In some embodiments, the toilet 150 functions as
a toilet, using the fluid to flush, rinse, or otherwise clean basin
156. The toilet 150 may provide a variety of flushing options
configured to carry out the flushing process. For example, one
flushing option may clear basin 156, automatically wash basin 156,
and then refill basin 156 for subsequent use. Other flushing
options may automatically clean basin 156, sanitize basin 156, or
initiate a process to reduce or eliminate odor. The toilet 150 may
provide one or more flushing options configured to use various
amounts of water or power during the flushing cycle. In some
embodiments, the toilet 150 may include a bidet wand, a cleaning
element, a fan, or other optional features. In some embodiments,
the toilet 150 functions as a bidet, delivering the fluid to the
bidet wand. When the toilet 150 functions as a bidet, the seat may
be automatically lifted using the electromechanical lifting and
closing device. The toilet 150 may provide a variety of bidet
control options including user-customizable spray patterns and an
adjustable spray pressure, temperature, or position. The toilet 150
may automatically clean and sanitize the bidet wand using an
internal ultraviolet sanitizing light. In some embodiments the
toilet 150 functions as a combination toilet and bidet, providing
both functionalities.
The toilet 150 is shown to include a housing. The housing may
enclose (e.g., surround, encapsulate, contain, etc.) some or all of
the other components of the toilet 150 (e.g., plumbing components,
electrical components, mechanical components, etc.). The toilet 150
may provide support for other components, thereby allowing such
components to be positioned for proper operation of the toilet 150
as described herein. In some embodiments, housing may protect the
internal components from external sources of damage (e.g., physical
damage, chemical damage, electrical damage, etc.). In some
embodiments, housing may be a single shell encapsulating all of the
toilet 150. In other embodiments, the housing may include multiple
shells. For example, FIG. 17 shows the housing divided into
multiple sections. A frontal housing section 152a is shown
supporting basin 156. A rear housing section 152b is shown
surrounding another portion of fixture the toilet 150. The rear
housing section 152b may include a control module 157 (e.g., the
control system 301 of FIG. 9), a display 153, and a communication
module 155.
FIG. 17 illustrates an all in one or integrated embodiment of the
intelligent toilet 150. FIG. 18A illustrates a distributed
embodiment of an intelligent toilet 180 including modular
components for an automated covering assembly 170, a touchless
flush device 177, and an automatic cleaning system 175.
The automatic cleaning system 175 may include a valve that releases
a solution in the tank of the intelligent toilet 180. The solution
flows to the basin 156 to clean the basin at the point illustrated
in FIG. 18A. The automatic cleaning system 175 may include a
sprayer that spray a solution into the basin 156. The solution may
be cleaning solution or disinfected solution.
The touchless flush device 177 may be an electronic flush mechanism
for sending a flush command to the intelligent toilet 180. The
touchless flush device 177 may include a remote detector (e.g., a
disk or puck) and a mechanical flusher coupled to the basin 156.
The touchless flush device 177 may include a gesture sensor, which
is a type of proximity sensor configured to detect a gesture by the
user. The gesture may be waving a hand or otherwise placing a hand
near the touchless flush device 177.
FIG. 18B illustrates a control system and communication system for
the intelligent toilet 180, according to an exemplary embodiment.
The control system includes a controller or control module 183
(e.g., the control system 301 of FIG. 9), a dedicated remote 185, a
remote application on phone 181, a heater 182, a light strip 186, a
sensor 188, and a mechanical flush lever 187. FIGS. 19A and 19B
illustrate an automated toilet covering assembly 170 including lid
171, a seat 172, which may be integrated with toilet in a single
construction, a hinge assembly 173, and one or more electrical
connectors 174. Additional, different or fewer components may be
included. Herein the control module 183 refers to both the
controller of the all in one or integrated embodiment of the
intelligent toilet 150 and the distributed embodiment of an
intelligent toilet 180 including modular components.
The control module 183 coordinates any combination of the automated
covering assembly 170, the touchless flush device 177, and the
automatic cleaning system 175. The control module 183 may send
commands to automated covering assembly 170.
The control module 183 may send commands to the touchless flush
device 177 to operate the mechanical flush lever 187. The control
module 183 may send commands to the automatic cleaning system 175
to initiate a cleaning process (e.g., spray or inject cleaning
solution). The dedicated remote 185, or the remote application on
phone 181, may receive user input for any of the commands for the
control module 183.
The intelligent toilet 180 may include a sensor, such as the sensor
188, configured to collect sensor data from the user. The sensor
188 may be an image collection device with a lens such as a camera
or an image collection device with a charge coupled device (CCD)
such as an integrated circuit formed on a silicon surface forming
light sensitive elements. The image collection device may collect
images of the user. The image collection device may collect images
for recognizing an image signature of the user such as the color or
shape (e.g., bone density, outline, height, and/or weight) of the
user. The image collection device may be a gesture sensor.
The sensor 188 may be a relative distance collection device such as
a proximity sensor (e.g., sensor 188) or a laser scanner. The laser
scanner may emit one or more laser pulses that reflect off of
objects and are received by the laser scanner. The time of flight
for the laser pulses indicates the distance to the objects. The
proximity sensor may detect a presence of an object at a
predetermined distance or within a predetermined distance range.
The proximity sensor may recognize multiple types of gestures. For
example, one gesture may correspond to an ecological flush and
another gesture may correspond to a normal flush.
The proximity sensor may emit and/or detect a beam of light (e.g.,
infrared light). Breaking the beam of light or interrupting the
beam of light signals that the user is present. Breaking the beam
of light includes placing a body part or object in the path of the
beam of light so that the proximity sensor does not receive the
beam of light. The beam of light may be near the floor or base of
the intelligent toilet such that the beam of light can be easily
broken by the user's foot.
The sensor 188 may be a temperature mapping device such as an
infrared camera for detecting a heat signature of the user. The
sensor 188 may be a retina scanner configured to scan the eyes of
the user. The sensor 188 may be a fingerprint sensor. The sensor
188 may be an audio sensor such as a microphone. The sensor 188 may
detect odors or VOCs. The sensor 188 may be an environment sensor
such as a temperature sensor, a light sensor, or a humidity sensor.
The sensor 188 may be a remote sensor in another location (e.g., a
different from than the intelligent toilet). The sensor 188 may be
a leak sensor to detect a water leak in the intelligent toilet. For
example, the sensor 188 may detect a water level (e.g., tank,
basin) that is analyzed by the control module 183 to determine when
a possible leak is occurring.
The sensor 188 may collect data on human waste. The sensor data may
be used for a urinalysis or urine screen. The sensor data may
include a pH level, an indication of the presence or absence of one
or more ketones, an indication of the presence or absence hormones
indicative of pregnancy, an indication of the presence or absence
of blood cells or bacteria indicative of a urinary tract infection,
an indication of the presence or absence of drugs, an indication of
the presence or absence of a particular type of cells (e.g., cancer
cells) or other substances. The sensor 188 may include a light
sensor (e.g., infrared light or laser) to test blood sugar levels
or oxygen levels, which may be used to monitor diabetes. The sensor
188 (e.g., a camera) may collect data for stool samples. The
control module 183, the home hub communication device, or the
external device 30 may perform an image analysis on the stool
samples.
The sensor 188 may be configured to output data that describes when
the intelligent toilet 180 is in use. The sensor data may be binary
including one value to indicate the intelligent toilet is in use
and another value to indicate the toilet 180 is not in use.
The sensor 188 may be incorporated in the automated covering
assembly 170. A weight sensor (e.g., pressure sensor) may detect
the user's weight, or a rough estimate of the user's weight, when
seated on the toilet seat. The control module 183 may calculate the
weight of the user from the sensor data. The control module 183 may
determine a demographic type of user such as man versus woman or
adult versus child. The control module 183 may identify the user.
For example, in a household, weights of the people are distinct
enough to recognize the identity of the individual users. The
control module 183 may learn the identities by measuring the weight
of a known user. For example, the user may connect using the
dedicated remote 185 or the phone 181, and the control module 183
records a weight reading from the sensor. The weight is stored by
the control module 183 and when a subsequent user is seated, a
subsequent reading is compared to the stored reading to determine
whether the identity of the user matches. Any number of readings
may be taken for any number of users.
The sensor 188 may be a capacitance sensor or an array of
capacitance sensors that detect the legs and thighs of the user.
The sensor data may indicate whether or not the user is seated. The
sensor data may indicate whether a leg is lifted and for how long.
The sensor data indicates usage patterns of the intelligent
system.
The automated covering assembly 170, the seat 172, or alternatively
intelligent toilet 150, may include sensors such as biometric
sensors to detect biological characteristics or biometrics of the
user. The sensors may include the weight sensor configured to
collect weight data for the user. The sensors may include a sensor
for determining height, and the control module 183 may calculated
BMI from height and weight.
The biometric sensors may include body composition sensors. A body
composition sensor may measure muscle mass and/or body fat
percentage using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Alternatively,
the body composition sensor may measure body water percentage
contained in the cells and tissues using the bioelectrical
impedance analysis, or bone mass using the bioelectrical impedance
analysis. Changes in muscle or fat in certain parts of the body
change the impedance of those parts of the body. The impedance may
be detected by the control module 183 sending a low level
electrical current through the user's body and measuring changes in
the low level electrical current when it returns to a sensor or the
control module 183. The current may enter and return from the
user's body through the seat 172 (e.g., legs) or the cover assembly
170 (e.g., back), or the current may enter through one of the seats
172 or the cover assembly 170 and return through the other of the
seat 172 and the cover assembly 170.
The biometric sensors may include a metabolic sensor that measures
the basal metabolic rate (BMR) or minimal rate of energy per time
expended by the user at rest while seated at the toiled. The BMR
describes the calories needed by the body to rest.
The biometric sensors may include a photoplethysmogram (PPG)
configured to optically obtain a volumetric measurement of an
organ. The PPG may be configured to measure the heart rate of the
user (e.g., through the skin), cardiovascular pulse wave velocity,
respiration, or another characteristic of the user.
In one or more of these examples, the sensors detect biological
characteristics such as body composition, heart rate, temperature,
or blood pressure of the user. The biometric sensors, taken alone
or in combination with the weight sensor, may provide a user
signature for identifying the user.
Other sensors may be used to determine the identity of the user.
The sensors may include an IR sensor, which is included in the
automated covering assembly 170, may generate a seat signature for
the user as seated. Similarly, an IR sensor in the front of the
basin may generate a heat signature of the user's feet. A proximity
sensor may detect the presence or absence of feet and/or gestures
made by the feet.
The sensor 188 may be incorporated in the touchless flush device
177 both for detecting the gesture command for initiating a flush
and detecting the mechanical flush lever 187 (e.g., for
acknowledging the flush has occurred, detecting the number of
flushes, or activating a cleaning sequence). In addition or in the
alternative, the sensor 188 may be incorporated in the automatic
cleaning system 175. The sensor 188 may detect the cleaning
sequence or detect commands for initiating the cleaning
sequence.
The control module 183 may send commands based on the sensor data
to various components of the intelligent toilet 180. When the user
is detected by the proximity sensor, the intelligent toilet 180 is
placed in a standby mode. The standby mode may include any
combination of opening the lid, raising the seat, warming the foot
warmer, turning on the display, or turning on the remote 185 or
activation the corresponding application on the phone 181.
In addition to commands for the intelligent toilet 180, the control
module 183 may select, based on the analysis of the sensor data, an
auxiliary command for an auxiliary device coordinated with the
intelligent toilet 180. The auxiliary command may be selected for a
particular user. The auxiliary command for the auxiliary device is
based on the instruction from the user received at the user
interface and the data displayed at the user interface includes
status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device. For example, the seat may be raised as a
function of the identity of the user and/or time of day (e.g.,
gender, pattern of use).
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received at the user interface of the intelligent toilet 180,
through gestures or other commands received by the sensors (e.g.,
voice commands). For example, the user may provide instructions
including device identifiers and device functions for one or more
of a command for the programmable shower 2 (e.g., select shower
sequence or turn on/off shower), a command for the bathtub sensory
device 3 (e.g., select a bath experience), a command for the
bathtub level device (e.g., select a bath level), a command for the
sink faucet 8 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a command for
light guides (e.g., a position or angle for the light), a command
for the fan (e.g., a fan speed or on/off), a command for the
kitchen faucet 21 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a command
for the dishwasher 22 (e.g., a cleaning mode or on/off), a command
for the garbage disposal 23 (e.g., a speed or on/off), the
refrigerator 24 (e.g., select a temperature), a command for the
water heater 25, (e.g., select a temperature), or a command for the
water filter 26 (e.g., activate or deactivate). In addition or in
the alternative, data from external device 30 to impact one or more
settings of the toilet. In one example, weather data from a weather
service is used to determine a temperature for the heater of the
toilet seat.
Rather than the direct commands, the auxiliary command for another
device may be calculated or determined from sensor data collected
at the intelligent toilet 180. There may be a direct correlation
between the intelligent toilet 180 and the auxiliary device. The
toilet seat may trigger an action in the auxiliary device. For
example, when the user sits on the toilet seat, the fan turns on.
In another example, when the user sits on the toilet seat a media
player (e.g., radio, digital recording, news) plays and when the
user stands from the toilet seat the media player stops. The
position of the user with respect to the intelligent toilet may
trigger a specific action in the auxiliary device. For example,
when the user stands from the toilet seat or otherwise steps away
from the intelligent toilet, the faucet turns on or a light guide
points toward the sink to encourage handwashing. When the sensor
data is stool analysis, the result of the analysis may impact a
suggestion for a type of food made at a refrigerator.
The control module 183 may generate alerts from the sensor data.
For example, when the sensor data indicates a malfunction, an alert
is sent to the manufacturer or service provider as the external
device 30. When the sensor data relates to urinalysis, an alert may
be sent to an employer or doctor as the external device 30.
When the sensor data describes whether the toilet is in use or not,
an alert may be sent to another appliance. For example, a
television, a refrigerator, or the home hub communication device
may provide the alert to the user that the intelligent toilet is in
use or not in use. The occupancy may also be provided to phone 181.
Multiple toilets may be connected to the network device 14 and
server 13. The phone 181 or other devices may provide the occupancy
toilets or provide an alert when a least one of the toilets is
unoccupied.
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the control module 183 from another of the auxiliary
devices. For example, data collected regarding height from a shower
setting may be applied to a toilet seat position, a position of the
user interface on the mirror substrate or a position of a light
guide. Configuration data for the user may be based on the
identification of the user or detection of the user and preferences
previously established for the user. Type data for the auxiliary
device may be used to apply a setting across a class of devices.
For example, the user preferences may specify a temperature that is
applied to all auxiliary devices with a temperature setting.
In one example, the control module 183 includes the components
illustrated by FIG. 9. The control module 183 may include a
communication interface configured to send the auxiliary command to
the auxiliary device.
The control module 183 may include a speaker configured to provide
audio for status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device. The speaker may be movable. The control
module 183 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the speaker toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the speaker may be configurable. The control module
183 may set a volume of the speaker based on the task performed by
the user, the identity of the user, the age of the user, the height
of the user, the preferences of the user. For example, volume may
be set proportional to age. Certain tasks may invoke higher
volumes. For example, when the shower is running a higher volume is
used.
The control module 183 may include a microphone configured to
collect audio (e.g., voice commands) for settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device. The microphone may be movable. The control
module 183 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the microphone toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the microphone may be configurable.
The voice commands received at the control module 183 may include
device identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device
functions to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are
described herein with respect to various appliances. In addition,
the voice commands may include a device identifier for the
intelligent toilet, or omitting the device identifier may default
to the intelligent toilet, and a device function for the
intelligent toilet. Example functions performed at the intelligent
toilet may include flushing the toilet, activating or deactivating
the seat warmer, activating or deactivating a media player, opening
or closing the lid, control of the lights, control of the light
guide, selection of the collected data and selection of the
displayed data.
The control of the lights (e.g., light strip 186) may include the
color of the lights, brightness of the lights, intensity of the
lights, or schedule for the lights. The control of the light guide
may include an angle or position for the light is determined based
on the auxiliary command selected for the user. For example, the
voice command may instruct the light guide to illuminate the basin
in response to the voice command. The selection of the collected
data may enable or disable one or more sensors. The selection of
the displayed data may enable or disable the display of external
data (e.g., weather) or data received from auxiliary devices.
Configuration data for the intelligent toilet may include
configurations for the device that are selected by the user or
learned from the user's habits. Example configurations may be a
seat position, default position setting for the lid, or interval
for the cleaning system. Configuration data may be specific to the
size of the user or handedness (e.g., left handed or right handed),
which impact how sensor data is recorded (e.g., handedness may
impact the collect of sensor data for usage statistics). Settings
data for the intelligent toilet may include settings for the
components of the intelligent toilet. Example settings include
temperature for the foot warmer or seat warmer, volume for the
media player, intensity for the light or a delay setting between
the time the sensor data is collected and the resulting action is
taken (e.g., time between the proximity sensor detect a user and
the lid is opened).
FIG. 20 illustrates an example control panel 195 for the home hub
communication devices. Control panel 195 may include phone 181
and/or dedicated remote 185. In some embodiments, control panel 195
is a mobile device. The control panel 195 displays multiple inputs
or icons to the user. A selection made on the control panel 195 is
encoded in a command that may be transmitted directly to the
control module 183. Each selection on the control panel 195 may
correspond to a similar voice command having a device identifier
and a device function. The command may be transmitted to the
network device 14 and/or server 13, which relays the command to the
intelligent toilet. The control panel 195 may additionally or
alternatively control other appliances according to any of the
examples herein. The control panel 195 may be a phone, tablet,
watch, or wearable device. The control panel 195 may physically
connect to one or more of the bath room or kitchen appliances
(i.e., the control panel 195 may physically connect (e.g., snap) to
one appliance, be removed, and subsequently be physically connected
to another appliance).
Kitchen Appliances
FIG. 21 illustrates a kitchen appliance 210 including a home hub
communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
kitchen appliance 210 includes at least a control module 213, a
sensor 214, and a communication interface configured to
communication with the network device 14 and the server 13. In one
example, the kitchen appliance 210 is a kitchen faucet including
water inlet pipes 217, a handle 218, and a removable sprayer 219
with handle grip. The handle 218 controls one or more valves for
on/off and temperature control. The control module 213 may
electrically connect with sensors and/or valves in the faucet
through conduit 216 which includes one or more wires or electrical
conductors. The sensor 214 may be in the faucet and may be aligned
with the window to detect motion outside of the faucet. The control
module 213 may control one or more valves to control water flow
(e.g., volume, temperature, duration), and the one or more valves
may be internal to the control module 213 or in the faucet itself.
The control module 213 may include a manual bypass switch 209 for
disabling the control module 213 and/or electronic control of the
faucet. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
included.
The kitchen appliance 210 is a water consuming device connected to
a water supply through one or more conduits or pipes. Examples
include a kitchen faucet, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, a water
heater, and a water filter. Each of the kitchen appliances is
configured to collect data indicative of a user, communicate the
data indicative of the user to another appliance either directly or
indirectly, and provide services to user based on data indicative
of the user that is received from other appliances.
The sensor data collected by the sensor 214 may describe the water
of the kitchen appliance 210 or describe the user near the kitchen
appliance 210. For detecting the water, the sensor 214 may be
located in the water flow of the kitchen appliance 210. The sensor
214 may be a water quality sensor including pH sensor, oxygen
sensor, or another chemical sensor. The sensor 214 may be
implemented using one or more screens or filters for detecting
particulates in the water. For example, a graphene mesh may include
holes of a predetermined size sized for different materials.
The sensor 214 may be a flow sensor, which is a pressure sensor,
ultrasonic sensor or light sensor. The light sensor may measure the
quantity of water that passes a light beam. The ultrasonic sensor
generates an ultrasonic wave that travels through the flow of water
and is received at a received. Based on the received ultrasonic
wave the volume and/or speed of the flow of water is detected. The
sensor 214 may be paired with two polished surface that reflects
the ultrasonic wave or the light beam on the opposite side of the
flow of water and returns the ultrasonic wave or the light beam to
the sensor 214.
For detecting the user, the sensor 214 may be a proximity sensor
(e.g., infrared sensor) or an image collection device described
herein. For example, the sensor 214 may be mounted in a neck of a
faucet and may detect a gesture or presence of a hand near the neck
of the faucet to activate or deactivate the flow of water through
the faucet. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor 214 may detect
the position or identity of the user as described herein.
The control module 213 may select, based on the analysis of the
sensor data, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device
coordinated with the kitchen appliance. The auxiliary command may
be selected for a particular user. The auxiliary command for the
auxiliary device is based on the instruction from the user received
at the user interface and the data displayed at the user interface
includes status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device.
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received via voice command or user interface. For example, the user
may enter a command for the programmable shower 2 (e.g., select
shower sequence or turn on/off shower), a command for the bathtub
sensory device 3 (e.g., select a bath experience), a command for
the bathtub level device (e.g., select a bath level), a command for
the intelligent toilet 6 (e.g., flush or close the lid), a command
for the toilet seat 7 (e.g., raise or lower the toilet seat), a
command for the sink faucet 8 (e.g., select a temperature or
volume), a command for light guides (e.g., a position or angle for
the light), a command for the fan (e.g., a fan speed or on/off), a
command for kitchen faucet 21 (e.g., select a temperature or
volume), a command for the dishwasher 22 (e.g., a cleaning mode or
on/off), a command for the garbage disposal 23 (e.g., a speed or
on/off), a command for the refrigerator 24 (e.g., select a
temperature), a command for the water heater 25, (e.g., select a
temperature), or a command for the water filter 26 (e.g., activate
or deactivate).
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the control module 213 from another of the auxiliary
devices. For example, data collected regarding water temperature
from a shower setting or a bathroom sink may be applied to a
kitchen sink. Configuration data for the user may be based on the
identification of the user or detection of the user and preferences
previously established for the user. Type data for the auxiliary
device may be used to apply a setting across a class of devices.
For example, the user preferences may specify a temperature that is
applied to all auxiliary devices with a temperature setting.
In one example, the control module 213 includes the components
illustrated by FIG. 9. The control module 213 may include a
communication interface configured to send the auxiliary command to
the auxiliary device.
The control module 213 may include a speaker configured to provide
audio for status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device. The speaker may be movable. The control
module 213 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the speaker toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the speaker may be configurable. The control module
213 may set a volume of the speaker based on the task performed by
the user, the identity of the user, the age of the user, the height
of the user, the preferences of the user. For example, volume may
be set proportional to age. Certain tasks may invoke higher
volumes. For example, when the kitchen appliance 210 is running a
higher volume is used.
The control module 213 may include a microphone configured to
collect audio (e.g., voice commands) for settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device. The microphone may be movable. The control
module 213 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor
or solenoid) to move the microphone toward a user. The degree of
movement may depend on the task performed by the user, the identity
of the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user.
The volume of the microphone may be configurable.
The voice commands received at the control module 213 may include
device identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device
functions to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are
described herein with respect to various appliances. In addition,
the voice commands may include a device identifier for the kitchen
appliance 210, or omitting the device identifier may default to the
kitchen appliance 210, and a device function for the kitchen
appliance 210. Example functions performed at the kitchen appliance
210 may include selection of the temperature of the water,
selection of a water supplement, selection of a water filter,
selection of the displayed data, and control of a light guide.
The control of the light may include the color of the lights,
brightness of the lights, intensity of the lights, or schedule for
the lights. The control of the light guide may include an angle or
position for the light is determined based on the auxiliary command
selected for the user. For example, the voice command may instruct
the light guide to illuminate handwashing in response to the voice
command. The selection of the collected data may enable or disable
one or more sensors. The selection of the displayed data may enable
or disable the display of external data (e.g., weather) or data
received from auxiliary devices.
The kitchen appliance 210 may select a supplement mode or filtering
mode based on sensor data received from another device. The
supplement mode may insert a supplement into the water. The
supplements may include fluoride, vitamins, nutrients, medicines,
or other substances. The supplement mode may be activated or
modified in response to sensor data collected at the kitchen
appliance 210 or other appliances.
For example, the kitchen appliance 210 may detect the makeup of the
water and select the supplement based on deficiencies in the water.
In another example, the condition of the user is detected at other
appliances (e.g., the mirror assembly or the intelligent toilet).
The condition of the user may be malnutrition, which is treated by
vitamin supplements added to the water. The condition of the user
may be a sickness, which is treated by medicine supplements add to
the water.
Intelligent Shower
FIG. 22 illustrates a shower 190 including a home hub communication
device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower 190
includes a shower enclosure and several shower subsystems (i.e., a
water subsystem, an audio subsystem, a steam subsystem, a lighting
subsystem, etc.). Each of the shower subsystems has output devices
(e.g., shower outlets, flow control valves, temperature control
valves, solenoids associated with the valves, lighting devices,
audio output systems, steam outlets, etc.) configured to provide a
user of the shower with an enhanced showering experience. The
shower 190 may include multiple water dispensers 191, sensors 192,
and at least one control panel 195.
The control panel 195 includes an electronic display. The
electronic display is configured to display graphical user
interfaces for allowing user control of the various shower
subsystems and/or shower output devices. A controller is in
communication with the electronic display and causes the graphical
user interfaces to be presented via the electronic display. In
various embodiments, the controller may be integrated with the
control panel 195, physically separate from the control panel 195,
or partially integrated and partially separate from the control
panel 195. The control panel 195 may include a touch-sensitive
panel overlaying the electronic display (e.g., a capacitive touch
screen), manually-operable buttons (e.g., capacitive touch
buttons), and/or other user input devices configured to receive
user input and provide the user input to the controller. The
control panel 195 (e.g., via the controller) controls the various
components of the shower in response to the user inputs (e.g.,
signals or data representing the user inputs) received at the user
input devices.
A shower control system is provided for receiving and processing
user inputs, displaying a graphical user interface on the
electronic display, and controlling outputs of the various output
devices. The shower control system advantageously includes software
that causes the generation and display of intuitive graphical user
interfaces for providing an intuitive and powerful control
experience to the user. Settings and combinations of settings may
be saved in the shower control system (e.g., a controller of the
system) for later playback (e.g., execution) by a controller of the
shower control system. Such playback or execution causes actuation,
adjustment, or another state change of one or a plurality of the
shower output devices.
Shower 190 includes a water subsystem having various output devices
(i.e., shower outlets) located within the shower enclosure. For
example, shower 190 is shown to include multiple water dispensers
191 including a front showerhead, a left showerhead, a right
showerhead, an upper body spray, a middle body spray, a lower body
spray, side body sprays, a handshower, and a rainhead. In various
embodiments, the water subsystem or set of output devices may
include any number or combinations of output devices. For example,
in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the water subsystem may
include a central body spray (e.g., a vertical column of shower
outlets) in place of upper body spray and middle body spray. In
another exemplary embodiment, the left showerhead and right
showerhead may be located on front wall. Shower outlets may be
located on any of surfaces and may include additional or fewer
shower outlets in various embodiments.
The water subsystem may include one or more analog or digital
valves. Valves of the system may be configured to allow for an
electronically controlled mixing of hot and cold water. Such mixing
can allow control systems and methods described herein to achieve
or approach certain target temperatures. Valves of the system may
also be configured to allow for electronically controlled or
selected shower outlet water flow. The electronically controlled
valves (e.g., solenoids for actuating the hydraulic valves) are
controlled via control signals from one or more controllers of the
shower control systems described throughout this disclosure. The
valves may be used to independently control flow volume to each of
shower outlets.
In some embodiments, the water subsystem includes multiple
different temperature control valves (e.g., thermostatic valves).
Each temperature control valve may have a plurality of outlet ports
(e.g., three outlet ports, six outlet ports, etc.). A first
temperature control valve may control the temperature of water
provided to a first subset of shower outlets and a second
temperature control valve may control the temperature of water
provided to a second subset of shower outlets. For example, a first
temperature control valve may control the temperature of water
provided to shower outlets, whereas a second temperature control
valve may control the temperature of water provided to other shower
outlets. Advantageously, using multiple different temperature
control valves allows the water from different shower outlets to
have different temperatures. In other embodiments, a single
temperature control valve is used to control the temperature of
water provided to the various shower outlets. In various
embodiments, any number of temperature control valves may be used
to define any number of temperature zones.
In some embodiments, shower 190 includes a steam subsystem. The
steam subsystem includes steam outlets that receive steam from a
steam generator in fluid communication with steam outlets. The
steam generator is disposed between, and coupled via conduit (e.g.,
piping or tubing), to steam outlets and a water supply. The steam
generator heats the water, turning it into steam that is then
communicated into shower enclosure through the steam outlets. The
steam generator may be controlled via control signals from one or
more controllers of the shower control systems described throughout
this disclosure.
In some embodiments, shower 190 includes a music subsystem. The
music subsystem includes speakers, an amplifier, and a media
player. The amplifier, media player, and other components may be
located proximate to or remote from shower enclosure. The music
subsystem is configured to communicate sound into shower enclosure.
The music subsystem (e.g., a media player thereof) may be
controlled via control signals from one or more controllers of the
shower control systems described throughout this disclosure.
In some embodiments, shower 190 includes a lighting subsystem. The
lighting subsystem includes one or more lights, such as
conventional light bulbs (e.g., incandescent, LED, fluorescent) or
a plurality of colored lights configured for use as a lighted rain
panel used for chromatherapy. In some embodiments, lights are
integrated with rainhead. The lighting subsystem is configured to
selectively supply light into shower enclosure. The lighting
subsystem (e.g., particular switches for the lights, dimmers for
the lights, etc.) may be controlled via control signals from one or
more controllers of the shower control systems described throughout
this disclosure.
In some embodiments, a control panel 195 is configured to receive
user inputs for controlling the shower subsystems and for
communicating settings and status information of the shower
subsystems to a user. Control panel 195 generally includes a
housing and an electronic display (e.g., an LCD panel). The housing
includes various attachment points (e.g., brackets, fasteners,
portions for receiving screw heads, etc.) for mounting control
panel 195 within shower enclosure. The housing also provides a
waterproof casing to protect electronic display and associated
internal electronic components from moisture. A touch-sensitive
panel (e.g., a capacitive touch panel) may also be provided on the
housing for receiving user inputs. A portion of the touch-sensitive
panel may overlay electronic display to provide a touchscreen
interface. The electronic display can be caused to display
graphical user interfaces and to receive user inputs via the touch
screen interface.
Referring now to FIG. 23, a block diagram of a shower control
system 200 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment, which is
another example of a home hub communication device. Shower control
system 200 generally refers to the electronics involved in
processing and communicating signals for controlling shower
subsystems 230-270 according to user inputs, but may also refer to
any of the controlled shower subsystems 230-270 or shower output
devices themselves. Shower control system 200 receives indications
to change conditions of the various output devices (e.g., from the
user input devices) and acts upon the indications by sending
signals to control panels 195, shower subsystems 230-270, and/or
devices/controllers thereof.
Shower control system 200 includes a controller 260 in
communication with one or more control panels 195. Each of control
panels 195 may be disposed at a different location (e.g., in
shower, outside shower, etc.) for facilitating user interaction
with shower control system 200 at multiple different locations. In
various embodiments, controller 260 may be integrated with one or
more of control panels 195 or separate from control panels 195.
Controller 260 may receive input from control panels 195 (e.g., via
communications interface 264) and may control the user interface
outputs provided via electronic display 161. Controller 260
processes user inputs received at control panels 195 (e.g., user
inputs received via a touchscreen, buttons, switches, or other user
input devices of control panel 195) and provides control outputs to
shower subsystems 230-270 based on the user inputs.
Controller 260 communicates with shower subsystems 230-270 and/or
the devices thereof (e.g., shower outlets, speakers, lights,
valves, etc.) for controlling the various output devices. For
example, controller 260 may receive an indication to adjust the
temperature of the water provided by one or more of shower outlets
(e.g., based on user input received at a touch panel interface),
and act upon the indication by causing water with increased
temperature to flow through the shower outlet (e.g., by sending an
appropriate control signal to the appropriate mixing valve
subsystem). Commands received at controller 260 from the microphone
or other appliances may include device identifiers that identify
one or more of the shower subsystems 230-270 and device functions
for one or more functions performed at the shower subsystems
230-270.
Controller 260 may cause electronic display to indicate a target
water temperature, an actual water temperature, and indication of
whether the actual water temperature is rising or falling.
Controller 260 may cause electronic display to indicate the
requested and completed adjustment in temperature.
In some embodiments, controller 260 is configured to receive
signals from control panels 195, steam system 230 including a steam
emitter 131, audio system 240, lighting system 250 including a
lighting device 151, valve control system 270 (e.g., electronic
valves 272-274), and/or other subsystems or devices of shower
control system 200 or external devices (e.g., router 220).
Controller 260 processes and acts upon the received signals.
Controller 260 may act upon signals received by sending control
signals to steam system 230, audio system 240, and lighting system
250. Controller 260 may also act upon signals received by sending
control signals to valve control system 270 (e.g., electronic
valves 272-274) or other shower subsystem components. The audio
system may include a streaming music module 242, an amplifier 244,
and one or more speakers 249.
Controller 260 is shown to include a communications interface 264,
a processor 299, and memory 298. Communications interface 264 may
include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas,
transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for
conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or
networks. For example, communications interface 264 can include an
Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an
Ethernet-based communications network and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver
for communicating via a wireless communications network.
Communications interface 264 may be configured to communicate via
local area networks (e.g., a home network, a LAN, etc.) or wide
area networks (e.g., the Internet, a WAN, etc.).
Still referring to FIG. 23, shower control system 200 is shown to
include a valve control system 270. According to an exemplary
embodiment, one or more digital valves 272-274 are configured to
selectively mix hot and cold water and selectively control water
output to shower outlets 121-129. Each digital valve 272-274 may be
arranged between shower outlets (water dispensers 191) and hot and
cold water supplies. In an exemplary embodiment, valves 272-274
include a thermostatic mixing component (e.g., for controlling
temperature) and/or one or more electrically-actuated solenoids
(e.g., for controlling flow volume). In some embodiments, valve
control system 270 includes one or more sensors for measuring
temperature, valve position, and/or water pressure upstream or
downstream of valves 272-274. The sensors may send signals with
condition information to controller 260, which then processes the
signals, and acts upon them.
Valves 272-274 may be electrically operated. In some embodiments,
controller 260 controls operation of valves 272-274. Controller 260
may operate each of valves 272-274 independently to achieve
multiple different water temperatures simultaneously. For example,
controller 260 may cause valve 272 to output water having a first
temperature and may cause valve 274 to output water having a second
temperature, different from the first temperature.
In some embodiments, the hot and cold water inlets of valves
272-274 are coupled via a conduit (e.g., piping or tubing) to hot
and cold water supplies, respectively. Valves 272-274 may be
actuated by controller 260 and/or a separate valve driver circuit.
Valves 272-274 may be configured to control an amount of hot and
cold water allowed to pass through valves 272-274 to achieve a
specified water temperature. Each of valves 272-274 may be
independently connected to the hot and cold water supplies and may
be operated independently to control the temperature of the water
provided to a subset of shower outlets (water dispensers 191).
In some embodiments, each of valves 272-274 is connected (e.g., via
piping or tubing) to one or more of shower outlets (water
dispensers 191). Valves 272-274 may be actuated by controller 260
and/or a separate valve driver circuit to selectively open and
close to control an amount of water (e.g., a flow rate) provided to
each of shower outlets (water dispensers 191). Valve 272 is shown
to include three outlet ports and valve 274 is shown to include six
outlet ports. Each of the outlet ports may be opened and closed
independently (e.g., via a solenoid or outlet valve) to
independently control the flow rate of water provided to each of
shower outlets (water dispensers 191).
In some embodiments, valves 272-274 do not include outlet valves.
Instead, outlet valves may be disposed between valves 272-274 and
shower outlets (water dispensers 191), may be attached directly to
shower outlets 121-129, or may be integral with shower outlets
121-129. According to another exemplary embodiment, valves 272-274
are attached directly to or are integral with shower outlets (water
dispensers 191), eliminating the need for outlet valves.
Still referring to FIG. 23, shower control system 200 is shown to
include a steam system 230, an audio system 240, and a lighting
system 250. In some embodiments, the control electronics (e.g.,
controller, microprocessor, data interface) for one or more of
subsystems 230-250 may be integral with each other and/or combined
with controller 260. For example, controller 260 may include the
control electronics for lighting system 250, audio system 240,
and/or other subsystems of shower control system 200, thus
obviating the need for separate system control electronics. In
other embodiments, each subsystem may include a controller and data
interface that is configured for receiving signals, processing
those signals, and acting upon received signals. Steam system 230,
audio system 240, and/or lighting system 250 may include sensors
for detecting conditions of the respective systems, such as
temperature, humidity, volume, and luminosity.
The sensor data collected by the sensor 192 may describe the water
of the shower 190 or describe the user in the shower 190. For
detecting the water, the sensor 192 may be located in the valve
control system 270. The sensor 214 may be a water quality sensor
including pH sensor, oxygen sensor, or another chemical sensor.
The sensor 192 may be a flow sensor, which is a pressure sensor,
ultrasonic sensor or light sensor. The light sensor may measure the
quantity of water that passes a light beam. The ultrasonic sensor
generates an ultrasonic wave that travels through the flow of water
and is received at a received. Based on the received ultrasonic
wave the volume and/or speed of the flow of water is detected. The
sensor 192 may be paired with two polished surface that reflects
the ultrasonic wave or the light beam on the opposite side of the
flow of water and returns the ultrasonic wave or the light beam to
the sensor 192.
For detecting the user, the sensor 192 may be a proximity sensor
(e.g., infrared sensor) or an image collection device described
herein. For example, the sensor 192 may be mounted at a faucet or
water dispenser 191 and may detect a gesture or presence of a hand
to activate or deactivate the flow of water through the faucet.
Alternatively or in addition, the sensor 192 may detect the
position or identity of the user as described herein.
One or more sensors 192 may determine volume or weight of the user
by imaging or detecting the user from multiple angles. BMI
calculations from the volume or weight may be sent to the home hub
communication device to be sent to other appliances. The sensors
192 may include other sensors for vital information such as
temperature, heart rate, or breathing rate.
The controller 260 may select, based on the analysis of the sensor
data, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device coordinated with
the shower 190. The auxiliary command may be selected for a
particular user. The auxiliary command for the auxiliary device is
based on the instruction from the user received at the user
interface and the data displayed at the user interface includes
status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device.
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received at the controller 260. For example, the user may enter a
command for the bathtub sensory device 3 (e.g., select a bath
experience), a command for the bathtub level device (e.g., select a
bath level), a command for the intelligent toilet 6 (e.g., flush or
close the lid), a command for the toilet seat 7 (e.g., raise or
lower the toilet seat), a command for the sink faucet 8 (e.g.,
select a temperature or volume), a command for light guides (e.g.,
a position or angle for the light), a command for the fan (e.g., a
fan speed or on/off), a command for kitchen faucet 21 (e.g., select
a temperature or volume), a command for the dishwasher 22 (e.g., a
cleaning mode or on/off), a command for the garbage disposal 23
(e.g., a speed or on/off), a command for the refrigerator 24 (e.g.,
select a temperature), a command for the water heater 25, (e.g.,
select a temperature), a command for or the water filter 26 (e.g.,
activate or deactivate).
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the controller 260 from another of the auxiliary
devices. For example, data collected regarding height from a shower
setting may be applied to a toilet seat position, a position of the
user interface on the mirror substrate or a position of a light
guide. Configuration data for the user may be based on the
identification of the user or detection of the user and preferences
previously established for the user. Type data for the auxiliary
device may be used to apply a setting across a class of devices.
For example, the user preferences may specify a temperature that is
applied to all auxiliary devices with a temperature setting.
The controller 260 may control a shower sequence. In one example,
the shower sequence involves a combination of a series of pressure
settings for the water dispensers 191, a series of temperature
settings for the water dispensers 191, a series of pulse settings
for the water dispensers 191, a series of activating or
deactivating the water dispensers 191, or other settings. The
shower sequence may be selected according to the user identity, a
user preference, or learned over time for the user based on
historical data. The controller 260 accesses the user configuration
and controls the water dispensers 191 to adjust settings
accordingly. The user configuration may include a series of
settings (e.g., temperature, pressure, pulses) associated with time
intervals. The controller 260 may apply the shower at a first
setting for a first time interval and a second setting for a second
time interval.
The controller 260 may regulate water usage by controlling the
water dispensers 191. The temperature of the shower, pressure of
the shower, or number of active water dispensers 191 may be
controlled to encourage the user to reduce water consumption and
stop the shower. The user may be encouraged to stop the shower when
the temperature is too high or not many water dispensers 191 are
working. The controller 260 may access a water usage threshold from
the user configuration. The controller 260 may calculate the water
usage threshold based on local conditions received from the
external device 30 (e.g., drought conditions, time of year,
reservoir levels, or local municipal ordinances or guidelines).
In one example, the controller 260 includes the components
illustrated by FIG. 9. The controller 260 may include a
communication interface configured to send the auxiliary command to
the auxiliary device.
The controller 260 may be coupled with a speaker configured to
provide audio for status data for the auxiliary device, settings
data for the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or
type data for the auxiliary device. The speaker may be movable. The
control module 123 may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g.,
stepper motor or solenoid) to move the speaker as described in
other embodiments.
The controller 260 may be coupled with a microphone configured to
collect audio (e.g., voice commands) for settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device. The microphone may be movable as described in
other embodiments. The volume of the microphone may be
configurable.
The voice commands received at the controller 260 may include
device identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device
functions to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are
described herein with respect to various appliances. In addition,
the voice commands may include a device identifier for the shower
190. In another example, the lack of the device identifier may
default to the shower 190. The voice commands may include a device
function for the shower 190. Example functions performed at the
shower 190 may include control of the lighting system 250, control
of the steam system 230, control of the valve control system 270,
and control of the audio system 240. For example, the voice command
may instruct the lighting system 250 to illuminate the shower 190
or a particular water dispenser 191. The voice command may activate
or deactivate a particular water dispenser 191.
Some systems may include one or more modules which may aggregate
various user data and information, which can then be used in
various ways. In one example, information may be manually entered
or automatically gathered, such as via an app or web module on a
user device (such as a cellular phone, computer, tablet, or other
user device). This information may, in some instances, be shared
with other third parties. A user may set and/or control the
parameters for sharing or exchange of said information with a third
party. A user may control a list of authorized third parties that
can view certain stored information, and/or what information is
shared. For example, a user may choose to provide certain
health-related information (such as weight, blood pressure, heart
rate) to a medical provider or physician, but may choose not to
provide certain other information (such as shower preferences,
urinalysis, or grooming habits). In some instances, the third party
may be able to communicate directly to the user, such as before,
during, or after viewing the user's information. The third party
may be allowed to provide feedback or additional communications
(such as medical advice) to the user through the same web module or
app. In some embodiments, users may be able to share certain
information with third parties in an anonymous fashion, such that
the user's information will not be specifically traceable to the
user, but may provide useful information to a third party (such as
trends over certain demographics of the population). Many other
variations are possible.
Intelligent Bathtub
FIG. 24 illustrates a bathtub 600 including a home hub
communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
bathtub 600 may include a bathtub automatic leveling system, a
bathtub automatic maintaining temperature system, a bubble massage
system, a heated surface system, an aromatherapy system, a lighted
system, a fog or mist generating system, chromatherapy, whirlpool,
a vibration acoustic system, or a combination of any of the systems
mentioned above. A bathtub 600 may include an integral fill 601, an
electronic fill mixer valve 606, a sensor array 602, a drain and
drain valve 603, a vibration acoustic device 605, and a controller
613. Additional, different, or fewer components are included.
The controller 613 is configured to operate the one or more drain
valves 603 using an electronic drain control algorithm and/or drain
valve 603. The controller 613 may automatically operate the drain
to empty the bathtub 600 after it detects a person has left the
bath through bath sensory devices or/and other devices. The
controller 613 can be user defined to activate or deactivate the
autodrain feature and set a user time delay for autodrain
activation. The drain valve 603 may be responsive to a pulse width
modulated signal indicative of an angle of the valve or a
proportion of fully opening (e.g., 50% open, 80% open) for the
valve. The drain valve 603 may include any number of independently
operating valves and the pulse width modulated signal may control
multiple valves. The drain valve may also be operated by DC voltage
or specific current. The drain might have an integral valve and
could be able to open and close electronically by command from the
controller 613. The drain valve 603 may house some or all of the
sensor array in terms of physical location or in terms of providing
sensory tapping points.
The vibration acoustic device 605 may include one or more speakers
for delivery a predetermined sequence of audio and/or vibrations to
the bathtub 600. Similar to the vibration acoustic device 605, the
controller 613 can control other bathtub experiences such as
chromatherapy, bask heated surface, bubble massage, and other
experiences. The controller 613 is configured to generate and
provide a control signal to the vibration acoustic device 605. The
vibration acoustic device 605 may include a speaker or a transducer
to broadcast sound waves that travel through the water of the
bathtub 600 and to the body. The transducers are strategically
positioned within the shell of the bathtub 600, providing the most
beneficial effects to the entire body, while leaving the bathing
surface smooth and uninterrupted. The controller 613 may send the
control signal to the vibration acoustic device 605 according to an
audio file such as music. Alternatively, the control panel may be a
sequence of pulses corresponding to varying vibration levels. The
vibration acoustic device 605 also may have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
connectivity and may stream music from paired 3.sup.rd party
devices to play in the bath speakers.
The vibration acoustic device 605 may include speakers mounted on
the bathtub 600 in multiple zones. Selection of the zones may be
user configurations learned based on historical data or directly
selected by the user. The zones may be associate with particular
parts of the body. The activation of the zones may vary according
with the water level. The controller 613 may determine particular
sequences or styles of music or vibration that the user prefers for
particular physical conditions.
The sensor array 602 may include a level sensor to detect the water
level in the bathtub 600. The level sensor may be a specific
gravity sensor having a float. The float may be displaced to a
position that is detected electrically or by position. The force
needed to support a column of material that is displaced decreases
by the weight of the process fluid displaced. A force transducer
measures the support force and reports it as an analog signal. The
level sensor may include a magnetic sensor including a float. As
the float moves up and down a coupled magnet is detected by a
magnetic sensor.
The level sensor may include a pressure transducer. The level
sensor may include a silicon or piezoelectric diaphragm surface
that changes its resistivity as it expands and contracts due to
pressure from a low point in the bathtub connected to the sensor
via tubing. A column of solid material is suspended in the vessel
and based on density, sinks to the lowest level to be measured.
Alternatively, differential pressure sensors may measure the
pressure at the bottom of the bathtub 600 versus a reference level.
The level sensor may be an ultrasonic level sensor, a laser level
sensor, or a radar sensor.
The level sensor may determine an identity of the user based on the
mass of the user. The level sensor may use algorithms that may
include derivatives to detect when a user enters the bath and/or
exits the bath and use that to initiate other connected appliances
or experiences--for example change the lighting or automatically
drain after a preset time. The controller 613 may record the water
level detected by the level sensor before the user enters the bath
and the water level after the user enters the bath. The difference
between the water levels is proportional to the mass of the user
and/or is an identifying characteristic of the user. The controller
613 may determine whether and when the user enters the bath based
on other sensor data from a proximity sensor. The sensor data from
the proximity sensor may also determine how much of the user's body
is submerged in the water and adjust the water level calculations
accordingly. The level sensor through smaller deviations may
measure the breath patterns of the user or heart rate of the user,
which are health factors for monitoring the user, and also are
identifying characteristics of the user. The controller 613 can use
this collected user data to alter the bath experiences
automatically based on predefined or dynamically learning
algorithms.
The sensor array 602 or/and the electronic fill valve 606 may
include a flow sensor configured to measure the flow of water into
the bathtub 600. The sensor array 602 may include an image
collection device. The sensor array 602 may include environment
sensors such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or a
pressure sensor. The sensor array 602 may include heart rate
sensor. The sensor array 602 may include blood pressure sensor. The
sensor array 602 may include a pressure switch that activates the
drain valve 603 to open directly acting as an overflow protection
for the bath. The sensor array 602 may include facial recognition.
The sensor array 602 may include proximity sensors to detect the
height of the user and may use that as an identifying
characteristic of the user. The sensor array 602 may use an object
detection sensor to detect if there are objects, pets, or people in
the bath. The sensor array 602 may include a voice input device or
microphone. The controller 613 may use algorithms to analyze data
from different sensor array 602 inputs to initiate auxiliary
commands. In one example, the controller 613 may detect leaks,
detect falls, or detect someone in distress, and prompt the
controller 613 to command action from auxiliary devices, such as
call the emergency services.
The controller 613 may select, based on the analysis of the sensor
data, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary device coordinated with
the bathtub 600. The auxiliary command may be selected for a
particular user. The auxiliary command for the auxiliary device is
based on the instruction from the user received at the user
interface and the data displayed at the user interface includes
status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device.
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received at a remote (e.g., phone) or other user interface for the
bathtub such as a command for the bathtub sensory device 3 (e.g.,
select a bath experience), a command for the bathtub level device
(e.g., select a bath level) or for another appliance. For example,
the user may enter a command at the bathtub 600 for the
programmable shower 2 (e.g., select shower sequence or turn on/off
shower), a command for the intelligent toilet 6 (e.g., flush or
close the lid), a command for the toilet seat 7 (e.g., raise or
lower the toilet seat), a command for the sink faucet 8 (e.g.,
select a temperature or volume), a command for light guides (e.g.,
a position or angle for the light), a command for the fan (e.g., a
fan speed or on/off), a command for kitchen faucet 21 (e.g., select
a temperature or volume), a command for the dishwasher 22 (e.g., a
cleaning mode or on/off), a command for the garbage disposal 23
(e.g., a speed or on/off), a command for the refrigerator 24 (e.g.,
select a temperature), a command for the water heater 25, (e.g.,
select a temperature), or a command for the water filter 26 (e.g.,
activate or deactivate).
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the controller 613 from another of the auxiliary
devices. For example, data collected regarding height from a shower
setting may be applied to a water level (e.g., taller people may be
associated with high water levels, and wider people may be
associated with lower water levels). Configuration data for the
user may be based on the identification of the user or detection of
the user and preferences previously established for the user. Type
data for the auxiliary device may be used to apply a setting across
a class of devices. For example, the user preferences may specify a
temperature that is applied to all auxiliary devices with a
temperature setting (e.g., temperature settings from the shower are
applied by the bathtub 600). In another example, the vibration
acoustic device 605 may selected an audio recording or a sequence
of vibration pulses based on a temporary characteristic of the user
such as mood, stress, exercise level, or temperature as determined
by the mirror assembly 1 or another appliance.
In one example, the controller 613 included the components
illustrated by FIG. 9. The controller 613 may include a
communication interface configured to send the auxiliary command to
the auxiliary device. The controller 613 may include a speaker
configured to provide audio for status data for the auxiliary
device, settings data for the auxiliary device, configuration data
for the user, or type data for the auxiliary device. The speaker
may be movable. The controller 613 may engage a positioning
mechanism (e.g., stepper motor or solenoid) according to other
embodiments herein. The volume of the speaker may be configurable.
The controller 613 may set a volume of the speaker based on the
task performed by the user, the identity of the user, the age of
the user, the height of the user, the preferences of the user. For
example, volume may be set proportional to age. Certain tasks may
invoke higher volumes. For example, when the bathtub 600 is running
a higher volume is used.
The controller 613 may track the volume and/or size and/or height
of the user may be used to predict the age of the user. Device
functions at the bathtub may be limited based on age. For example,
children may be prohibited from turning on the water. Device
functions at other devices may be enabled or disabled based on the
age of the user.
The controller 613 may track growth rates or weight loss and
generate alerts or report to external device 30 or network device
14 based on the growth rates or weight loss. In one example, the
network device 14 calculated a weight gain or weight loss based on
the displacement volume in the bathtub 600. The network device 14
may relay weight data to file for private transmission to a
physician or to coaching/fitness program.
The controller 613 may include a microphone configured to collect
audio (e.g., voice commands) for settings data for the auxiliary
device, configuration data for the user, or type data for the
auxiliary device. The microphone may be movable. The controller 613
may engage a positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor or
solenoid) to move the microphone according to embodiments herein.
The volume of the microphone may be configurable.
The voice commands received at the controller 613 may include
device identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device
functions to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are
described herein with respect to various appliances. In addition,
the voice commands may include a device identifier for the bathtub
600, or omitting the device identifier may default to the mirror
assembly, and a device function for the bathtub 600. Example
functions performed at the bathtub 600 may include water level
settings, water temperature settings, bath duration, sensory
pattern sequence, media playback, control of the lights, control of
the light guide, or selection of the collected data and selection
of the displayed data.
The controller 613 may implement a cleaning cycle based on data
collected at the bathtub 600 or at auxiliary devices and received
through the home hub communication device. The cleaning cycle may
be implemented in response to the user being in another room (e.g.,
the user is detected by a kitchen appliance). The cleaning cycle
may be implemented in response to the user being positioned near
another bathroom device. The cleaning cycle may include pre-rinsing
the bathtub 600 before filing to the water level and/or rising the
bathtub 600 after draining.
The controller 613 may draw a bath or obtain a specific water level
in response to a schedule of the user. The schedule may be
determined based on historical data of when the user takes a bath
or based on user configured preferences such as day and time or
based on location such as geofencing. The auxiliary device may
instruct the controller 613 that a bath is being requested. The
auxiliary device may be an exercise machine or fitness device that
communicates the end of a workout as an indicator that the user is
requesting a bath. A voice command listing the bathtub 600 as the
device identifier and the bath as the device function may be
received at the auxiliary device. The controller 613 is configured
to provide the bath without waiting to the user.
Bathroom Cleaning Cycle
A bathroom cleaning device may perform a cleaning cycle for the
bathroom. The bathroom cleaning device may be incorporated into the
home hub communication device. The bathroom cleaning device may
coordinate cleaning cycles of multiple devices including the
intelligent toilet 6, the bathtub 600, or other devices. The
bathroom cleaning device may control an air filtering system
configured to filter aspirated particulate (e.g., fecal, urine).
The bathroom cleaning device may include a dispenser that propels
cleaning solution, or cleaning gas, into the atmosphere of the
bathroom. The dispenser may include a safety mechanism that
requires a secure seal in the room before dispensing. The user may
override the dispenser or the bathroom cleaning device from inside
or outside of the bathroom. The bathroom cleaning device may
initiate a cleaning cycle based on data collected by another device
(e.g., the cleaning cycle may be initiated based the door to the
bathroom being closed).
The bathroom cleaning device may be operated according to sensor
data collected at auxiliary devices. For example, the cleaning
cycle may be operated to agree with the user's typical schedule
based on learned patterns of operation of one or more of the
auxiliary devices (e.g., intelligent toilet 6, shower 2, bathtub
600, or sink 8). The bathroom cleaning device may create and foster
a microbiome between the intelligent toilet 6 and the shower 2 to
balance microbial life.
Clothing System
The home hub communication system may also communicate with or
include a dressing room controller. The dressing room controller
may track closet inventory (clean) and pre-laundry (dirty) volume
using one or more sensors. For example, the dressing room
controller may track laundry inventory using one or more sensors
placed in the home (e.g., closet, bathroom, bedroom) that detect
individual articles of clothing using an inductive transmitter
(e.g., RFID).
The dressing room controller may determine location of specific
articles of clothing, for example, indicate if a desired article is
in the closet or in the laundry. The dressing room controller may
determine when laundry should be done. When a full load, or volume,
of a specific type of clothing (color, type, delicates, etc.) is
reached, an alert will be made through home hub communication
device.
The dressing room controller may provide a list of clean clothing
to the user. The list of clean clothing may be available on an
interface of one of the appliances (e.g., mirror assembly 101) for
the user to select and/or visualize clothing to wear.
The dressing room controller may assist a user from shopping from
home. One or more appliances may collect sensor data to measure the
body of the user (e.g., image collection device at mirror assembly
1, displacement volume at bathtub 600, or proximity sensors at
other appliances). The dressing room controller suggests articles
of clothing that fit the user based on the measurements. The
dressing room controller may suggest articles of clothing based on
the current inventory of clothing. For example, when a
disproportionate amount of green clothing is in the inventory, the
dressing room controller suggests green clothing for purchase.
Replacement Part Generation
Another household appliance in communication with the home hub
communication device may include a replacement part generator. The
replacement part generator may include a rapid prototype generator
or a 3D printer. The replacement part generator is configured to
print components for one or more of the appliances. The replacement
parts may be generated through communication directly with the
appliance or with external device 30 to download dimensions and
other specifications for producing the part.
The replacement part may be generated in response to a remote
service diagnosis of the appliance. For example, a leak detected by
a sensor at the sink may be analyzed by the external device 30 to
determine that a seal is broken. The external device 30 instructs
the replacement part generator to produce a replacement seal. A
user interface or the mirror assembly 1 may display instructions
for removing the broken seal and replacing the broken seal with the
newly generated seal. Any part may be generated and replaced
including but not limited to connectors, brackets, covers, caps,
handles, knobs, and gaskets.
The replacement part may be generated in response to a request by
the user. For example, the user may request a different style of
handle or knob such as the lever on the intelligent toilet 6 or the
knobs on the sinks or shower. A user interface or the mirror
assembly 1 may display instructions for removing the old part and
installing the new part.
Recovery Space System
The home hub communication device may also coordinate a recovery
space system that helps the user recover from exercise. The sensor
data may include images of the user from a camera or other imaging
device. The user's physical state including muscle strains and
usage (e.g., muscle map) are determined from an image analysis. One
or more auxiliary devices are instructed based on the images to
help the user recover from exercise.
The physical state may be communicated to the shower 2 to select a
massage pattern or temperature based to encourage recovery. The
physical state may be communicated to a fitness device to suggest
complimentary workouts. The fitness device may be a personal
fitness device (e.g., wrist bracelet that tracks movements) and
suggests specific exercises or an exercise plan. The fitness
devices may be an exercise machine (e.g., elliptical machine,
treadmill, or weight machine). The fitness device may generate a
targeted recovery experience based on a muscle map determined from
analysis of the images.
Medicine Cabinet
The mirror assembly 1 may include a smart medicine cabinet
controller in communication with the home hub communication device
and/or the server 13 through the network device 14. The smart
medicine cabinet controller may aggregate data collected at other
devices such as the appearance of the user collected by the mirror
assembly 1, the analysis of the water of the user collected at
intelligent toilet 6, and other physical data collected by the
shower 2.
The smart medicine cabinet controller may include a communication
interface and to communicate with a medical professional system.
The medical professional system may analyze the aggregated data and
provide a diagnosis or other medical recommendations to the
user.
The smart medicine cabinet controller may provide instructions to a
medicine generator and/or dispenser. The medicine generator may
print medication such as OTC analgesics, vaccines, antibiotics,
daily scripts) via patch or liquid. The medication may be tailored
to the particular user based on sensor data collected at the
auxiliary appliance. The medication may be adjusted according to
the age of the user, the weight of the user, or other physical
attribute. The medication may be adjusted according to the user's
profile including allergies or the user's DNA.
Versatile Tiles
A versatile tile may include lights, speakers, sensors, and/or
heaters implemented as flooring. Each of the intelligent bathroom
devices is configured to collect data indicative of a user,
communicate the data indicative of the user to another intelligent
bathroom device either directly or indirectly, and provide services
to user based on data indicative of the user that is received from
other intelligent bathroom devices.
A versatile tile may include multiple functions that are tied to
one or more of the auxiliary devices. The tiles may be integrated
with sensors (e.g., image collection device, proximity sensor,
temperature sensor, humidity sensor, VOC sensor, or other sensors)
and the sensor data is provided directly to the home hub
communication device on the auxiliary device. The sensors may
include a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure of a
user's foot on the tile. The pressure sensor may be actuated by the
user to switch between the functions of the tile (e.g., to switch
between light, speaker, etc.). The tiles may include lights (e.g.,
light guide 9a). The tiles may include speakers for relaying
information to the user from one or more of the auxiliary devices.
The tiles may include microphones for receiving voice commands for
one or more of the auxiliary devices. The tiles may include heaters
and/or coolers for adjusting the ambient temperature. The heaters
and/or coolers may be operated in response to temperature data
received at one or more auxiliary devices. The heaters and/or
coolers may be operated in response to the temperature or other
temporary state of the user.
Therapy System
The home hub communication device may also instruct a therapy
system. The therapy system may provide therapy to the user in
response to the sensor data detected at one or more auxiliary
devices. The therapy may include a multisensory experience that
combines physical relaxation with virtual reality, using images,
aroma, water, and light. The therapy system may treat the user with
light or with guided imagery and biofeedback techniques. The
therapy system may detect brain health to treat concussion,
depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, addiction, pain management,
memory care, or other conditions non-invasively.
Light Guide System
The light guides, including light source 9a, which may be a light
source array including one or more directional light sources, may
project light on one or more other devices to guide the user to the
device or help illuminate the area near the device. In response to
a function being selected at one of the devices, user selection
data, or a location and/or direction associated with a user
selection, is transmitted to the light source 9a to define a
direction for projecting the projected light guides 9b. The light
guides may be incorporated in one or more of the auxiliary
devices.
The light guide may be integrated with a home hub communication
device. In one example, a control system for the light guide may
include the components illustrated by FIG. 9. As such, the light
guide may include a communication interface configured to connect
with the network device 14 and/or the server 13 for communication
with the auxiliary appliances. The communication interface may
receive user data from at least one appliance, and the user data is
indicative of an identity of a user. The light guide may include a
controller configured to analyze the identity of the user and
activate one or more directional light sources in response to the
identity of the user. The light guide may include a memory
including a lookup table for a plurality of users and user
sequences for appliances within a predetermined distance of at
least one direction light source in the light source array. The
controller is configured to access the memory according the
identity of the user to select the one or more activated
directional light sources.
The light guide may include one or more sensors in a sensor array.
The sensors may include a proximity sensor configured to detect at
least a portion of a use in proximity to the light guide. The
sensor may be a relative distance collection device such as a laser
scanner. The sensors may include any of the environment sensors,
microphones, or other sensors described herein. The sensor may be
an image collection device with a lens such as a camera or an image
collection device with a CCD. The sensor may be an audio sensor
such as a microphone. The sensor may detect odors or VOCs.
The light guide may receive user input through voice commands
received at the microphone or through a user interface at the light
guide. The instruction from the user may trigger an auxiliary
command for the auxiliary device. The data displayed at the user
interface includes status data for the auxiliary device, settings
data for the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or
type data for the auxiliary device.
The auxiliary device may be an adjacent device within the same room
as the light guide or less than a predetermined distance to the
light guide. The auxiliary device may be a remote device in a
different room from the light guide or greater than a predetermined
distance from the light guide. With respect to the light guide, the
adjacent devices may include bathroom devices such as the
intelligent mirror 1, the programmable shower 2, the bathtub
sensory device 3, the bathtub level device, the intelligent toilet
6, the toilet seat 7, the sink faucet 8, light guides, or a fan.
With respect to the light guide, the remote devices may include
kitchen devices such as the kitchen faucet 21, the dishwasher 22,
the garbage disposal 23, the refrigerator 24, the water heater 25,
and the water filter 26.
The control system for the light guide may select, based on the
analysis of the sensor data, an auxiliary command for an auxiliary
device coordinated with the light guide. The auxiliary command may
be selected for a particular user. The auxiliary command for the
auxiliary device is based on the instruction from the user received
at the light guide and the data displayed at the user interface
includes status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for
the auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data
for the auxiliary device.
The analysis of the sensor data may determine an instruction
received at the light guide. For example, the user may enter a
command for the programmable shower 2 (e.g., select shower sequence
or turn on/off shower), a command for the bathtub sensory device 3
(e.g., select a bath experience), a command for the bathtub level
device (e.g., select a bath level), a command for the intelligent
toilet 6 (e.g., flush or close the lid), a command for the toilet
seat 7 (e.g., raise or lower the toilet seat), a command for the
sink faucet 8 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a command for
light guides (e.g., a position or angle for the light), a command
for the fan (e.g., a fan speed or on/off), a command for kitchen
faucet 21 (e.g., select a temperature or volume), a command for the
dishwasher 22 (e.g., a cleaning mode or on/off), a command for the
garbage disposal 23 (e.g., a speed or on/off), a command for the
refrigerator 24 (e.g., select a temperature), a command for the
water heater 25, (e.g., select a temperature), or a command for the
water filter 26 (e.g., activate or deactivate).
Settings data for the auxiliary device may be based on information
received at the light guide from another of the auxiliary devices.
That is, the light guide may receive data from one appliance,
analyze the data, and send an instruction to another appliance. For
example, data collected regarding height from a shower setting may
be applied to a toilet seat position, a position of the user
interface on the mirror substrate or a position of a light guide.
Configuration data for the user may be based on the identification
of the user or detection of the user and preferences previously
established for the user. Type data for the auxiliary device may be
used to apply a setting across a class of devices. For example, the
user preferences may specify a temperature that is applied to all
auxiliary devices with a temperature setting.
The light guide may include a speaker configured to provide audio
for status data for the auxiliary device, settings data for the
auxiliary device, configuration data for the user, or type data for
the auxiliary device, as described herein. The light guide may
include a microphone configured to collect audio (e.g., voice
commands) for settings data for the auxiliary device, configuration
data for the user, or type data for the auxiliary device. The
microphone may be movable. The control module may engage a
positioning mechanism (e.g., stepper motor or solenoid) to move the
microphone and/or the speaker toward a user.
The voice commands received at the light guide may include device
identifiers that describe the auxiliary device and device functions
to be performed by the auxiliary device, which are described herein
with respect to various appliances. In addition, the voice commands
may include a device identifier for the light guide, or omitting
the device identifier may default to the light guide, and a device
function for the light guide. Example functions performed at the
light guide may include control of the lights, control of the light
guide, selection of the collected data and selection of the
displayed data.
The control of the lights may include the color of the lights,
brightness of the lights, intensity of the lights, or schedule for
the lights, direction for the lights, hue for the lights, size of
the light beam or focus for the lights. The control of the light
guide may include an angle or position for the light is determined
based on the auxiliary command selected for the user. For example,
the voice command may instruct the light guide to illuminate
handwashing in response to the voice command. The selection of the
collected data may enable or disable one or more sensors. The
selection of the displayed data may enable or disable the display
of external data (e.g., weather) or data received from auxiliary
devices.
The light guide may implement a user sequence including a series of
light positions, which may be defined by angle or direction,
duration, intensity, color or other factors. The control system for
the light guide may include a lookup table that associate users
with the preferred lighting sequence. The user sequence referenced
in the lookup table includes a first appliance and a first time and
a second appliance and a second time. The control system may use
different lights at different times. For example, the control
system may activate a first directional light source during the
first time to illuminate at least a portion of the first appliance
and activate a second directional light source during the second
time to illuminate at least a portion of the second appliance. For
example, a user's sequence may request that after turning on the
lights, the sink is illuminated for a set time, then the toilet is
illuminated for a set time, then the shower is illuminated for a
set time. The user sequence may include a list of appliances and
increment from one appliance on the list to the next appliances on
the list after a voice command or other input is received for that
appliance. For example, the sink is illuminated until the water is
turned off, the toilet is illuminated until the toilet is flushed,
or other examples. The user sequence may move from one appliance to
the next automatically.
The light guide may receive voice commands for other appliances and
illuminate those appliances according to specific tasks. For
example, the controller for the light guide may receive a voice
command for another appliance and parse the voice command for at
least the device identifier and the device function. The control
system may select one or more lights and a direction for the one or
more lights in response to the device identifier and/or device
functions. Device identifiers may indicate a direction for a
particular appliance and device functions may indicate a direction
for a particular portion of the appliance. The communication
interface receives task selection data from the at least one
appliance, and the control system is configured to analyze the task
selection data to activate one or more directional light sources
associated with a task in response to the task selection data.
Example tasks include any of the device functions described herein
such as turning on a sink, showering, opening a storage space,
using a mirror, using a toilet, or filling a bathtub.
The light guide may implement the direction, intensity, and
duration of the light according to user identity. The user identity
may be determined by sensor data collected at any of the appliances
according to examples herein. The communication interface of the
light guide may receive user data from at least one appliance that
is indicative of an identity of a user. The user identity is
checked in memory against user preferences or configurations for
the lights. The position of the lights may be based on the size of
the user, the height of the user, the handedness of the user, or
any other demographic characteristic of the user. The control
system for the light guide analyzes the user data to identify at
least one appliance to be illuminated for the user. The control of
the light guide may also be based on the position of the user and
any voice commands or other inputs received by the user. The
control system generates a light command for a light source array
comprising one or more directional light sources to illuminate at
least a portion of the at least one appliance. The direction of the
light sources, in addition to the identity of the user may be based
on task selection data for the identity of the user. The light
command for the light source array directs one or more directional
light sources to illuminate at least a portion of the at least one
appliance associated with a task from the task selection data.
In addition or in the alternative to the appliance itself, the one
or more direction light sources associated with the task illuminate
a path to the task or to the at least one appliance. The
illumination of the task may be based on the user sequence, which
is set by the user or learned from the user's historical activity.
In this way, the task selection data includes a reminder for the
user to perform the task. For example, the user sequence may
specify that after the toilet is flushed, the sink should be used
to wash hands. The reminder may instruct the user to pick up
objects (e.g., clothes from the floor) or to put away objects
(e.g., return the toothpaste to the drawer. Thus, the illumination
of the task may correspond to handwashing. Other examples may be a
guide to return to bed in the middle of the night or reach for a
towel after showering. The sequence of light guides may encourage
habit-building routines for children and those who may have
cognitive issues. The control system may include a clock configured
to track time of day, and the activated one or more directional
light sources are modified according to the time of day.
Water Analysis
Any of the home hub communication devices (e.g., an appliance with
an integrated home hub communication device or a standalone home
hub communication device), the network device 14, or the server 13
may include a water analysis apparatus. The water analysis
apparatus may be integrated with a water consuming device such as
the programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3, the
bathtub level device including the drain 4 and faucet 5, the
intelligent toilet 6, the automated sink 8, the kitchen appliance
11, and the water system 12. The water consuming device is
connected to a water supply or plumbing system.
The water analysis apparatus may include the components illustrated
by FIG. 9. As such, the water analysis apparatus may include a
communication interface configured to connect with the network
device 14 and/or the server 13 for communication with the auxiliary
appliances. The communication interface is configured to send a
reporting message indicative of data collected by at least one
appliance to the server 13.
The reporting message may include sensor data indicative of the
water quality at one or more of the appliances. The sensors
measuring water quality may include a water quality sensor, a pH
sensor, oxygen sensor, or a chemical sensor that detects a specific
substance, chemical, or element, such as mercury, iron, lead,
The sensor may be a biological sensor that detects a type of
bacteria or virus. The biological sensor may detect specific
organisms such as salmonella, e. coli, cryptosporidium or
listeria.
The sensor may be an image collection device that collects images
of the user for determining an indication of illness, malnutrition,
dehydration, or another condition or appearance of the user. The
images may be analyzed for a change in color, pigment, or water
content. Alternatively, the weight of the user may be monitored to
detect signs of dehydration or sickness. The appearance of the user
may be monitored to detect signs of illness, malnutrition,
dehydration, or other conditions.
The reporting message may include device identifiers and timestamps
associated with the collection of the sensor data. The reporting
message may include geographic locations, which may be collected by
a satellite positioning system, inferred from the IP address of the
appliance, or entered directly by the user. The reporting message
may include one or more sensor identifiers for the type of sensor
used to collect the sensor data.
The reporting message may be received at another device such as the
external device 30, the network device 14, or server 13. The
network device 14 may analyze the sensor data across multiple
appliances in the household. The server 13 or the external device
30 may analyze the sensor data across multiple households or a
geographic region. The reporting message may be analyzed to
determine an indication of a condition of water based on the sensor
data. The condition of water may indicate that a foreign substance
is in the water.
The external device 30, the network device 14, or server 13 may
access a database according to the location where the sensor data
was collected or other identifier to identify additional users or
appliances in the geographic area where the sensor data was
collected. The neighboring users may be defined according to water
system (i.e., users on the same water system are considered in the
same geographic area for the purpose of distribution the analysis
message). An analysis message including the indication of the
condition of water is generated in response to analysis of the
sensor data and sent to the users or appliances in the geographic
area. The water analysis apparatus receives the analysis message
from the external device 30, the network device 14, or server
13.
The water analysis apparatus may perform geographic analysis on the
sensor data from multiple locations. For example, the sensor data
is analyzed for multiple appliances across multiple households or
locations that are defined according to geographic location. A
water condition database may correlate geographic areas with data
collected by home appliances.
The water analysis apparatus may provide an alert in response to
the analysis message. The alert may warn that a water anomaly has
been detected. The alert may list the foreign substance detected in
the water. The alert may provide instructions (e.g., boil water
before use). The alert may include a rating for the water.
The water supply apparatus may monitor the usage of various
appliances to determine whether the alert should be issued. For
example, the water analysis message may indicate that a foreign
substance is present in the water supply but is only harmful in
specific quantities. When the flow sensor, or the aggregate flow
sensors in a household, indicative that the appliances have used
the specific quantities in a predetermined time interval, the water
supply apparatus presents the alert. The alert may be based on a
water limiting threshold for the volume of water or the type of
water. The water limiting threshold limits the amount of water
provided by the at least one second appliance or limits a type of
water provided by the at least one second appliance.
The water analysis apparatus may instruct a filter setting
according to the water analysis message. The filter setting may
include filtering modes that target particular contaminants. A lead
filtering mode may target removing lead from the water. A bacteria
filtering mode may target removing bacteria from the water. A
specific particulate filtering mode may target removing a specific
particulate from the water. The filter setting may define a size of
filter such as a particle trap opening, a thickness, or a variable
path selected in response to the analysis message.
The water filtering may also be implemented by any faucet, the
refrigerator 24, or the water heater 25. In addition, a water
additive system may be implemented by any faucet, the refrigerator
24, the water heater 25, the water filter 26, or another water
consuming device. The water analysis apparatus may instruct a water
dispenser configured to selectively insert an additive to the water
in response to the analysis message. The additive comprises a
nutritional supplement, a flavor, an antibacterial agent, vaccine,
vitamin, mineral, or a medicine.
The water analysis apparatus may perform a water circulation
algorithm. The water circulation algorithm may open and close valve
in water connections between one or more water consuming appliances
and the water supply. Different appliances or different device
functions may be applied to different types of water. Example types
of water include potable water, cleaning water, recycled water,
distilled water, or reclaimed filtered water. A set of rules may be
applied to the device functions and/or the appliances. In one
example, distilled water is preferred but at least potable water
must be used in the water dispensing of the sink faucets 8 and the
refrigerator 24, potable water is preferred but at least cleaning
water may be used in the shower 2, the bathtub 600, or the
dishwasher 22, and any type of water including reclaimed filtered
water or runoff recycled water may be used in the intelligent
toilet 6.
The water circulation algorithm may be activated by the voice
command to route the water to one or more appliances according to
the requirements of the appliances or device functions performed at
the appliance. For example, the voice command to flush toilet may
instruct the water circulation algorithm to open a valve that
releases water of a first type to refill the toilet, and the voice
command to turn on the shower instructs the water circulation
algorithm to open a valve that releases water of a second type to
the shower. The water circulation algorithm may analyze the voice
command to route the water draining from one or more appliances to
a tank for a specific type of water.
The water circulation algorithm may analyze sensor data at one or
more of the appliances (e.g., at the drains) in order to classify
the type of water and route the water to a tank for storing the
water in future uses. The sensor data may describe the turbidity of
the water or particulates of the water. For example, water in a
shower may be recirculated until the water reaches a threshold
level. When the threshold is reached the water circulation
algorithm opens a valve to release the water to drain away from the
household.
In one embodiment, the water analysis apparatus may be incorporated
in any of the water consuming appliances. The appliances may
include at least one sensor configured to collect data for a water
condition associated with at least one first appliance and a
controller configured to analyze the data for the water condition
and identify or generate a resultant instruction in response to the
analysis. The resultant instruction is sent to at least one second
appliance.
Data Logging System
A data logging apparatus may be implemented by the home hub
communication device, the network device 14, the server 13, or the
external device 30. The data logging may be integrated with one of
the appliances. The data logging apparatus may include the
components illustrated by FIG. 9. As such, the water analysis
apparatus may include a communication interface configured to
connect with the network device 14 and/or the server 13 for
communication with the auxiliary appliances.
The data logging apparatus receives sensor data from multiple
appliances. The data logging apparatus may store the sensor data
along with a sensor identification value, a device identification
value, and/or a device function identifier. The data logging
apparatus may store the sensor data with a time stamp. The data
logging apparatus may provide the logged data from multiple
appliances to a requesting appliance. For example, one appliance
may request sensor data from multiple device to identify the
user.
The data logging apparatus may analyze the sensor data to identify
when one or more appliances should be serviced, upgraded, or
replaced. For example, when a water heater temperature drops too
quickly, the data logging apparatus may identify that an element
should be replaced. When the water level of a bathtub drops to
quickly, the data logging apparatus may detect a leak or an error
with the leveling device, and inform the manufacturer, a service
provider, or instruct the user to repair. The data logging
apparatus may identify user patterns and recommend enhancements and
recommend hardware upgrades to improve efficiencies in response to
the user patterns. For example, the recommended hardware upgrades
may include low flow toilets for a high traffic bathroom or a low
flow shower head for heavily used showers. The data logging
apparatus may recommend the user adjust behaviors such as bathing
at certain times, taking shorter showers, or turn off the water
when not in use.
The data logging apparatus may provide the logged data to a
manufacturer to for monitoring design changes and marketing
efforts. In some instances, the manufacturer may price product
under cost or under market price to encourage data collection. The
data logging apparatus may provide the logged data to a third party
entity such as a municipal water company, an insurance provider, a
city planner, or another entity according to any of the examples
described herein.
Interchangeable Speaker
FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of an interchangeable speaker 700,
which may be a home hub communication device or an artificial
intelligence device as described herein. The term voice controlled
device encompasses these devices. The interchangeable speaker 700
may be incorporated into the network device 14 in any of the
embodiments described herein. The interchangeable speaker 700
includes a switch 703, which may be a button for turning the
speaker 700 on and off, and a microphone 705 configured to convert
sounds to electrical signals. The microphone 705 may be omitted in
some situations and may be disabled in some scenarios. As
illustrated, the switch 703 may include a light indicator. For
example, a light emitting diode behind a transparent shield that
indicates whether the speaker is on (light indicator is on) or off
(light indicator is off). Alternatively, the light indicator may
indicate a mode, such a low power mode (light indicator is on) or a
normal mode (light indicator is off).
The interchangeable speaker 700 may internally include a controller
configured to operate the audio function of the host appliance
(e.g., receive verbal inputs and output sound) and also one or more
primary functions of a host appliance (e.g., functions outlines
herein with respect to the intelligent mirror 1, the programmable
shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3, the bathtub level device,
the intelligent toilet 6, the toilet seat 7, the sink faucet 8,
light source 9a and light guides 9b, the kitchen appliance 11, and
the water system 12. The microphone 705 is configured to receive
one or more voice inputs for the currently connected host
appliance. For a controller that operates the audio function of the
device, the controller may activate or deactivate one or more
microphones 705, provide audio output through the speaker, and
connect to the wireless network to receive data that is converted
to the audio output provided through the speaker.
The controller may control additional functions of the host
appliance and described in various embodiments herein. The
interchangeable speaker 700 may be docked to the first appliance 31
and/or the second appliance 32, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The
interchangeable speaker 700 may receive user data from one of the
appliances (e.g., at least one water consuming device). The user
data may describe sensor data collected at the first appliance 31
and/or the second appliance 32, entry data entered by the user at
the first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance 32, logged data
recorded at the first appliance 31 and/or the second appliance 32,
or configuration data accessed the first appliance 31 and/or the
second appliance 32.
The sensor data, or user data, is collected at the first appliance
31 and/or the second appliance 32 and describes the spatial
position of the user or gestures of the user. The sensor data may
be collected by a camera or image collection device. The entry data
can be entered by the user at the first appliance 31 and/or the
second appliance 32. The entry data may include login data or login
credentials (e.g., a username and certifying information). The
entry data may include a selection for operating the first
appliance 31, which may be used to operate the second appliance 32.
The logged data can be recorded at the first appliance 31 and/or
the second appliance 32 to describe the habits or preferences of
the users over time. The configuration data accessed the first
appliance 31 and/or the second appliance 32 may relate to
particular features or settings of the appliance.
The switch 703 may control additional systems associated with the
interchangeable speaker 700, and the light indicator may indicate
the selection of these additional systems. The switch 703 may
switch the controller from one or more of a smart speaker mode, a
room collaboration mode, and a host appliance control mode.
Pressing the switch 703 may select the next of these modes, and the
light indicator may illuminate a first color for the smart speaker
mode, a second color for the room collaboration mode, and a third
color for the host appliance control mode.
In the smart speaker mode, the interchangeable speaker 700 is
configured to control the audio related functions of the
interchangeable speaker 700. The audio related functions may
include the volume level of the speaker. The audio related
functions may include which microphones are activated (e.g., the
number of microphones, the hardware address of the microphones, or
the pattern of the microphones). The audio related functions may
include receiving data from the wireless network or from the host
appliance and providing audio in response to the received data.
In the room collaboration mode, the interchangeable speaker 700 is
configured to receive and provide commands to other appliances
other than the host appliances. In one example, the commands are
received and sent through the wireless network. In another example,
the commands are exchanged directly between the interchangeable
speaker 700 and the other appliances (e.g., through Bluetooth,
infrared, or other communication protocols).
In the host appliance control mode, the interchangeable speaker 700
is configured to control other functions of the host appliance. As
described in other examples herein, the interchangeable speaker 700
receives data collected by the host appliances and analyzes the
data according to user settings or preferences. The interchangeable
speaker 700 generates user messages in response to the received
data and/or generates commands for the host appliance in response
to the received data.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may include a housing formed by
coupling face 700a to cone 700b. The face 700a and the docking
portion 700b may be welded together, attached by adhesive, or
another technique to seal a speaker cone and a printed circuit
board (PCB) from external elements such as water. The
interchangeable speaker 700 includes a series of openings 704 that
form a screen in the housing. Behind the screen, a seal may provide
a water tight cavity that allows sound to transfer from the speaker
and out of the interchangeable speaker 700. The microphone 705 may
be flush with the face 700a or behind the face 700a.
FIG. 26 illustrates a rear view of an interchangeable speaker 700.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may have a variety of shapes
including cone shaped, a cut-off cone shape, or a rounded cut-off
cone shape as shown in FIG. 26.
The docking portion 700b may include securing mechanism that
attached the housing to the host appliance. The securing mechanism
may include a snap fit connection, a raised track for screwing the
interchangeable speaker 700 into the host device, or a spring
biased raised bearing for attaching the interchangeable speaker 700
to the host device.
FIG. 27 illustrates a bathroom setting that includes multiple
appliances or intelligent bathroom devices compatible with the
interchangeable speaker 700. The descriptions provided herein with
respect to FIG. 1 may be applied to similar devices and components
in FIG. 27. FIG. 27 also illustrates a towel bar 709 mounted to the
wall and configured to hold garments or towels.
The docking portion 700b may be shaped to fit and interact with a
variety of host devices or appliances, such as any of the
intelligent bathroom devices described herein. Each of the
intelligent bathroom devices is configured to receive the docking
portion 700b of the interchangeable speaker 700. While any of the
intelligent bathroom devices may also be configured to receive the
interchangeable speaker 700, FIG. 27 illustrates that the towel bar
709 is configured to receive the interchangeable speaker 700, the
intelligent mirror 1 is configured to receive the interchangeable
speaker 700, the sink faucet 8 is configured to receive the
interchangeable speaker 700, the shower walls or another shower
structure is configured to receive the interchangeable speaker 700,
the light guides (e.g., light source 9a and projected guides 9b)
are configured to receive the interchangeable speaker 700. In
addition, the programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3,
the bathtub level device (e.g., including the drain 4 and faucet
5), and the intelligent toilet 6. In addition, or in the
alternative, the docking portion 700b may be shaped to fit and
interact with any of the intelligent kitchen devices, as shown in
FIG. 2.
The docking portion 700b may be configured to mate with the
intelligent mirror 1 through, for example, the control module
housing 122 as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The docking
portion 700b may be configured to mate with the programmable shower
2, for example, at control module 195, as illustrated in FIG. 22.
The docking portion 700b may be configured to mate with the bathtub
sensory device 3 or the bathtub level device through a housing
connected to bathtub 600, as illustrated by FIG. 24. The docking
portion 700b may be configured to mate with the intelligent toilet
6 through control module 157, as illustrated in FIG. 17, or through
control module 183, as illustrated in FIG. 18. The docking portion
700b may be configured to mate with the sink faucet 8, through
control module 213, as shown by FIG. 21. The docking portion 700b
may be configured to mate with the housing of the light guides 9a.
The microphone 705 may be disabled when the interchangeable speaker
700 is docked with certain intelligent bathroom devices, such as
the shower 2 or the intelligent toilet 6.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may be moved by the user from
appliance to appliance. The transferability and interchangeability
of the interchangeable speaker 700 provides multiple
advantages.
First, in many examples the intelligent bathroom devices and/or
intelligent kitchen devices have many redundant parts. For example,
consider a bathroom with a separate speaker, microphones, and
controller for each of a combination of the intelligent mirror 1,
the programmable shower 2, the bathtub sensory device 3, the
bathtub level device (e.g., including the drain 4 and faucet 5),
the intelligent toilet 6, the sink faucet 8, and the light guides
(e.g., light source 9a and projected guides 9b). The
interchangeable speaker 700 reduces these redundant parts as
multiple devices may use the same speaker, microphone, and
controller as it is moved from host device to host device.
In some examples, the host devices may have permanent controllers
and some of the functionality of the host devices is handled by the
interchangeable speaker 700. The interchangeable speaker 700 may
collect data at one appliance and apply that data at another
appliance.
Second, the operation of multiple coordinating artificial
intelligence devices may be coordinated and made more efficient by
the interchangeable speaker 700. With a device (e.g., the device
that is currently docked with the interchangeable speaker 700)
designated as listener, the process of associating voice commands
with their intended recipient is simplified. In other words, in a
room with multiple devices with microphones listening for commands,
the commands may be difficult to interpret.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may receive sensor data from one or
more of the intelligent bathroom devices. In some examples, the
sensor data may be indicative of the user identify or movement of
the user. The sensor data may describe the spatial position of the
user. For example, the sensor data may be collected by a motion
sensor or a proximity sensor. The sensor data may include
three-dimensional coordinates of the spatial position of the user
of a portion of the user (e.g., feet, hands, or body). The sensor
data may be collected by an eye gaze sensor that determines a line
of sight or angular orientation of the face of the user. The sensor
data may describe a gesture or movement made by the user. The
sensor data may be collected by a camera or image collection
device. The sensor data may describe the state of the body of the
user using another characteristic such as heart rate, temperature,
the presence of sweat, or odor. The user data may describe a
condition of the user. Example conditions of the user includes a
temperature, a heart rate, a height, a weight, a drowsiness, a
complexion, a malnutrition, a hydration, or other conditions.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may collect any of these types of
data types. The interchangeable speaker 700 may include at least
one sensor configured to detect an ambient environment for the
currently connected host appliance or user activity associated with
the for the currently connected host appliance. The interchangeable
speaker 700 may also receive entry data from a user such as login
data or login credentials. The entry data may include a selection
for operating any of the host appliances, or other appliances.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may access configuration data based
on the sensor data. The selection of the configuration data may
depend on where or what type of host appliance the interchangeable
speaker 700 is docked to. For example, a particular user may have a
preferred volume setting or use a mute setting to disable the
speaker is certain situations.
Through first docking with one of the intelligent bathroom devices
and subsequently docking with another one of the intelligent
bathroom devices, the interchangeable speaker 700 may transfer data
(e.g., sensor data) between the intelligent bathroom devices. The
interchangeable speaker 700 may collect data from multiple
intelligent bathroom devices and different times and log the data.
The data from multiple intelligent bathroom devices may then be
analyzed at the interchangeable speaker 700 or sent to the server
13 for analysis.
FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C illustrate a docking detection system for
the interchangeable speaker. The cone portion 700b of the housing
of the interchangeable speaker 700 is an example a dock configured
to connect the housing to any of the host appliances.
FIG. 28A illustrates the interchangeable speaker 700 including
multiple openings 710, which are contact points. FIG. 28B
illustrates a host appliance 713 including a docking receptacle 712
shaped to fit the interchangeable speaker 700. The docking
receptacle 712 includes one or more protrusions 711, which are
contact points. The multiple openings 710 of the interchangeable
speaker 700 may be associated with different appliances for
mounting the interchangeable speaker 700.
The contact points for openings 710 and the contacts points for
protrusions 711 provide an electrical connection circuit that
connects the interchangeable speaker 700 to the host appliance 713.
The electrical connection circuit allows the interchangeable
speaker 700 to detect the host appliance 713, or allows the host
appliance 713 to detect the interchangeable speaker 700, or both.
The detecting device (either the host appliance 713 or the
interchangeable speaker 700) detects the detected device (the other
of the host appliance 713 or the interchangeable speaker 700) and
generates data or a signal that indicates that docking has
occurred.
The different openings 710 may correspond to different host
appliances 713 or types of host appliances. For example, one
opening 710 may be aligned with protrusion 711 for the mirror 1,
another opening 710 may be aligned with protrusion 711 for the
shower 2, and another opening 710 may be aligned with protrusion
711 for the sink. A circuit internal to the interchangeable speaker
700 may include resistors, other circuit elements, or circuit paths
that are energized differently depending on where the protrusion
711 makes contact with openings 710.
Alternatively, only one opening 710 may be used, and the
protrusions 711 are located in similar positions for the host
appliances 713, but another technique is used to identify the host
appliance 713. In one example, the signal may have different
voltage levels that corresponds to different host appliances. In
another example, the signal may vary according to a resistance in
the detected device. The controller of the interchangeable speaker
700 may detect the voltage level or resistance value to identify
which host appliance is docked with the interchangeable speaker
700. The controller may access a set of commands or a mode of
operation associated with the detect host appliance.
In another example, the communication in the electrical path
between the opening 710 and the protrusion 711 may include data
that identifies the docking between the devices or the identity of
one of the devices (e.g., identity of the host appliance). The
contact points for openings 710 and the contacts points for
protrusions 711 provide coupling mechanism configured to receive an
identification value indicative of docking between the voice
controlled device and a currently connected host appliance. The
coupling mechanism may include a first electrical contact through
the opening 710 at a surface of the housing. The first electrical
contact is operable to transfer the identification value through a
second electrical contact at the protrusions 711 of the currently
connected host appliance.
The identification value for the docking of the interchangeable
speaker 700 to the host appliance may also be determined based on a
user input. For example, the user may press button 703 (e.g., press
and hold) to indicate that the interchangeable speaker 700 has been
docked. In response any of the coupling mechanisms may be used to
determine the identity of the host appliance. In addition, the user
input may include the identification value (e.g., through a menu
selection). A voice command may also indicate the identity of the
host appliance (e.g., dock speaker to mirror).
The identification value for the docking of the interchangeable
speaker 700 to the host appliance may also be determined based on
communication between the interchangeable speaker 700 and the host
appliance through the wireless network and/or server 13. The
controller 804 may identify that the interchangeable speaker 700 is
docked based on a connection to the wireless network (i.e., when
the interchangeable speaker 700 is connected to the same network as
the host appliance). The identification value for the docking of
the interchangeable speaker 700 to the host appliance may also be
determined based on GPS sensors. The identification value for the
docking of the interchangeable speaker 700 to the host appliance
may also be determined based on machine learning analysis of other
habits of the user.
Commands may be provided to the host appliances based on the
identification value that is indicative of the host appliance
and/or based on one or more voice inputs received at the microphone
705. A command is provided based on the one or more voice inputs
and the identification value. In some examples, the command is
generated at the interchangeable speaker 700 to instruct the
speaker to produce sounds in response to the one or more voice
inputs and the identification value. In some examples, the command
is generated at the interchangeable speaker 700 to instruct a
display to provide information regarding the command or operation
of the host appliance. In some examples, the command is generated
at the interchangeable speaker 700 to instruct the host appliance
to control a host appliance such as turn on a function of the host
appliance (e.g., turn on water, turn on light), change a setting
(e.g., water temperature, water flow rate or volume, or a light
intensity), or provide information regarding the operation of the
host appliance. The interchangeable speaker 700 may provide the
information through the display or speaker. Thus, the operation of
the speaker including the sounds produced by the speaker are
adjusted based on the identification value.
The interchangeable speaker 700 or the host appliance may also
include one or more light guides or illumination devices configured
to produce light in response to the one or more voice inputs and
the identification value. The light guides may include light source
9a and projected guides 9b but may also be included as light
sources on any of the host appliances. The light guides may project
light on one or more other devices to guide the user to the device
or help illuminate the area near the device. The light guide from
one of the host appliances may illuminate another host appliance to
guide the use between appliances. In response to a function being
selected at one of the devices, user selection data, or a location
and/or direction associated with a user selection, is transmitted
to the light guide to define a direction for projecting the
projected light guides. The status of the light guides may be
transmitted to and displayed by the display of the interchangeable
speaker 700. In one alternative, the light guides are implemented
as versatile tiles or tech tiles. The versatile tiles may include
lights, speakers, sensors, and/or heaters implemented as
flooring.
FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate an inductive coupling system for the
interchangeable speaker 700. The interchangeable speaker 700 may
include an induction circuit 720 including an inductive coil that
generates a magnetic field including the identification value or
receives a magnetic field including the identification value. The
host appliance may include an induction circuit 722 arranged inside
the docking receptacle 712 or near the docking receptacle. The
induction circuit 722 may include an inductive coil that generates
a magnetic field including the identification value or receives a
magnetic field including the identification value. The
identification value may be modulated on the magnetic field. In
other words, the inductive coil has a carrier frequency or
amplitude that is modified according to an identification value
from the induction circuit. The identification value corresponds to
the type of host appliance, the specific identity of the host
appliance, the type of interchangeable speaker 700, or the specific
identity of the interchangeable speaker 700.
The inductive coupling system may include a coupling mechanism
based on the cooperative relationship of the induction circuit 722
including a first induction coil attached to the voice controlled
device. The first induction coil is operable to transfer the
identification value through the magnetic wave to a to the
induction circuit 720 including the induction coil attached to the
currently connected host appliance. The inductive coupling system
may include a coupling mechanism based on the cooperative
relationship of the induction circuit 720 including a first
induction coil attached to the voice controlled device. The first
induction coil is operable to transfer the identification value
through the magnetic wave to a to the induction circuit 722
including the induction coil attached to the currently connected
host appliance.
FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C illustrate a magnetic coupling system for
the interchangeable speaker. The interchangeable speaker 700 may
include one or more magnets 730 arranged at the surface of the
housing or under the housing. The host appliance may include one or
more magnets 734 at a surface of docking receptacle 721 or behind
the surface of the docking receptacle 721. The magnets 730 of the
interchangeable speaker 700 interact with the magnets 734 of the
host appliance.
The magnets may provide a physical coupling or support for the
interchangeable speaker 700 that is docked in the host appliance.
Either or both of the magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 may supply
a magnetic force to the other of the magnets 730 of and the magnets
734, which tends to provide a docking force between the
interchangeable speaker 700 and the host appliance. In other words,
the magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 may hold the interchangeable
speaker 700 to the host appliance through magnetic force.
The magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 may be arranged in various
patterns around the interchangeable speaker 700 and the docking
receptacle 721, respectively. The arrangement of the magnets may
ensure that the interchangeable speaker 700 is docked in the
correct, upright position. For example, their may be only one way
for the magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 to align to provide the
docking force. Alternatively, a physical guide may provide the
alignment between the interchangeable speaker 700 and the docking
receptacle 721. For example, a guide rail 732 of the
interchangeable speaker 700 may fit in a guide groove 735 of the
docking receptacle to ensure that the interchangeable speaker 700
is docked in the correct, upright position. In other examples, the
interchangeable speaker 700 may be docked in a variety of angles,
with the magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 have multiple radial
alignments possible.
The magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 may provide identification
of the host appliance to the interchangeable speaker 700 or
identification of the interchangeable speaker 700 to the host
appliance. The magnets 730 of and the magnets 734 may be a coupling
mechanism that physically couples and/or magnetically couples the
at least a first magnet of magnets 730 of the voice controlled
device to at least a second magnet of the magnets 734 attached to
the host appliance. The identification may be provided through
different arrangement of magnets in different docking receptacles
associated with different host appliances.
The controller or control circuit of the interchangeable speaker
700 may include one or more magnetic sensors or magnetically
completed circuit paths that correspond to the magnets 730. When
the magnets 730 are coupled with magnets 734, the magnetically
completed circuit paths are completed or the magnetic sensors are
triggered to detect the docking of the interchangeable speaker 700.
The controller may determine the identification value provided
through the magnetic coupling.
The magnetic coupling system may include a coupling mechanism based
on the cooperative relationship of the magnet 730 and the magnet
734. The controller is operable to detect the identification value
through the detect of the relationship between the magnet 730 and
the magnet 734.
FIGS. 30B and 30C illustrate two example arrangement of magnets 734
in two different types of host appliances. In FIG. 30B, the magnet
734 is arranged approximately at angle a.sub.1 (e.g., 60 degrees)
counter-clockwise from the guide groove 735. In FIG. 30C, the
magnet 734 is arranged approximately at angle a.sub.2 (e.g., 45
degrees) counter-clockwise from the guide groove 735. Host
appliances may include multiple magnets in predetermined patterns
in different radial positions as well as different lengthwise
positions along the housing of the interchangeable speaker 700.
When the interchangeable speaker 700 is docked with the host
appliance, different magnets 730 of the interchangeable speaker 700
are coupled depending on whether the host appliance in FIG. 30B
with one magnetic position is docked with the interchangeable
speaker 700, or the host appliance in FIG. 30C with another
magnetic position is docked with the interchangeable speaker 700.
The controller is configured to determine the magnetic position
based on the magnetically completed circuit paths that are
completed or the magnetic sensors that are triggered. The
controller may access a magnetic lookup table according to the
magnetic position. The magnetic lookup table associated magnetic
positions (e.g., 160 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees in combination
with 90 degrees) that correspond to identification values that for
example, correspond to different types of host appliances as
described herein.
The interchangeable speaker 700 may include a command lookup table
or access such a command lookup table from the server 13 or the
host appliance. The command lookup table may be queried with the
type of host appliance based. The command lookup table may return a
set of commands available for the host appliance, or values for
default or preferred settings of the host appliance.
In other words, the controller of the interchangeable speaker 700
may query the command lookup table using the identification value
for the host appliance. The command lookup table may return a set
of commands for the host appliance, which may be the commands
available for the type of host appliance or the commands available
to the current user. Because less than all possible commands may be
available, the result from the command lookup table may be a
reduction of the possible commands. With fewer commands available,
the voice commands from the user may be more easily
interpreted.
The controller may adjust the output of the interchangeable speaker
700 based on the identification of the host appliance. Examples
include adjustment of the sound volume and light intensity of the
interchangeable speaker 700. Certain host appliances may produce
noises that interfere with the sound output of the interchangeable
speaker 700. In addition, host appliances may be in a location that
is a farther distance from the user that impedes sound travel. The
interchangeable speaker 700 may adjust the volume of the sound
according to the identification value for the host appliance.
Similarly, host appliances may be in darker environments or farther
distances from the user that interferes with the light output of
the interchangeable speaker 700. The interchangeable speaker 700
may adjust the light intensity of a display or a light guide
according to the identification value for the host appliance. As
described in more detail below, the microphones and analysis of the
interchangeable speaker 700 may be adjusted according to the host
appliances or appliances in the vicinity of the interchangeable
speaker 700. The controller may adjust the voice inputs based on
the identification of the host appliance.
FIG. 31 illustrates a flow chart for the interchangeable speaker
700. The method may be performed by the interchangeable speaker 700
as a whole, or specific aspects of the method may be performed by
the controller of the interchangeable speaker 700 or the coupling
device or circuitry of the interchangeable speaker 700. Additional,
different, or fewer acts may be included.
At act S301, the housing of the voice controlled device (e.g.,
interchangeable speaker 700) is docked to a host appliance. The
docking may include one or more guiding mechanisms or locking
mechanism that bring the voice controlled device in contact with
and fixedly supported by the host appliance.
At act S303, the voice controlled device receives an identification
value indicative of the docking between the voice controlled device
and the host appliance. The identification value may be included in
a data message that is transferred wirelessly. The identification
value may be determined based on inductive coupling or magnetic
coupling between the voice controlled device and the host
appliance. Act S303 may also include magnetically coupling a first
magnet attached to the voice controlled device to a second magnet
attached to the host appliance, such that the identification value
is provided through the magnetic coupling and a force for docking
the voice controlled device to the host appliance is provided
through the magnetic coupling. Act S303 may also include energizing
a first induction coil attached to the voice controlled device to
transfer the identification value through a magnetic wave to a
second induction coil attached to the host appliance. Act S303 may
also include electrically coupling a first electrical contact at a
surface of the housing to transfer the identification value through
a second electrical contact of the host appliance.
At act S305, the voice controlled device receives one or more voice
inputs for the host appliance. The voice inputs may be sounds
produced by a user providing instruction to the host appliance or
the voice controlled device.
At act S307, the voice controlled device provides a command based
on the one or more voice inputs and the identification value. In
addition, the voice controlled device may provide audio output from
a speaker of the voice controlled device in response to the one or
more voice inputs and the identification value. The audio output
content may depend on the identification value. That is, the voice
controlled device provides different audio output when the host
appliance is a mirror rather than a toilet. The voice controlled
device may adjust the audio output produced by the speaker are
adjusted in volume, pitch, or speed based on the identification
value. Different host appliances may be associated with different
volumes or other sounds characteristics so that the audio output is
easier to hear or the host appliance as a signature sound (e.g.,
different style of voice for different host appliance). The style
of voice may be gender or famous voices. A different famous voice
may be applied to different host appliances. In addition, the style
of voice may be language. The language may be adjusted according to
the location (e.g., country) of the host appliance.
Filtering Sound for Intelligent Bathroom Devices
The home hub communication devices and well as the interchangeable
speaker 700 in preceding sections may be configured to adjust the
analysis of voice inputs as a function of the environment of the
home hub communication device, the appliances in the vicinity of
the home hub communication device, or the operation state of the
appliances in the vicinity of the home hub communication
device.
FIG. 32 is a flow chart for sound filtering for a voice controlled
device, which may include any of the home hub communication systems
or intelligent bathroom devices described herein. The method may be
performed by the voice controlled device as a whole, or specific
aspects of the method may be performed by the server 13.
Additional, different, or fewer acts may be included.
At act S401, the voice controlled device identifies an interfering
sound. The interfering sound may be a sound caused by water usage
of the intelligent bathroom device. The interfering sound may be
the sound of water spraying and hitting surfaces in the shower, the
sound of a toilet flushing and/or filling the tank, or the sound of
water flowing from a faucet or shower head. The interfering sound
may be non-water based sounds such as operation of a fan or a
heater. Many other sounds are possible.
The identification of the interfering sound may be made in a
variety of techniques. The interfering sound may be detected
directly through a microphone. The interfering sound may be
determined based on the settings of the appliance producing the
sound. That is, the voice controlled device may have instructed the
shower to turn on or be aware (such as through communication with
another interconnected device) that an instruction was sent to the
shower to turn on, and determine that the shower is producing the
interfering sound based on the instruction. The voice controlled
device may determine the presence of the interfering sound based on
another factor or combination of factors, such as time of day,
humidity detected in the air, detection of a change in
characteristic of a device (such as detection of water flowing
through a system or detection of a circuit or relay changing
states).
At act S403, the voice controlled device determines a
characteristic of the interfering sound. The characteristic may be
the volume or amplitude of the sound waves. The characteristic may
include the frequency or spectrum of the sound waves. The voice
controlled device, or another device in communication with the
voice controlled device, may include sensors and supporting
circuitry to detect the amplitude of the output of the interfering
sound and/or the frequency spectrum of the interfering sound. The
characteristic may be the types of sound (e.g., shower, toilet, or
faucet). In addition, the voice controlled device may include a
temporal characteristic that de